Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I agree wholeheartedly with the Deputy. That right of everyone to have clean potable drinking water is fundamental. I mentioned the Federation of Group Water Schemes in my initial reply. It is an organisation to be greatly admired. The members have delivered high-quality water and work on environmental and other biodiversity initiatives around the country. They really are an exemplar of how to deliver water into remote rural areas. Our Government is committed to supporting the federation's work. We fund Uisce Éireann to deliver water to rural towns and villages as well and encourage as many communities as possible to connect into water schemes. That is a given. I note too the point that there are many households for which either private group water schemes or the option to connect to other schemes are not there. It is critically important that people living in those areas are able to access clean drinking water through recognised systems and wells. A lot of them are delivering their water through private wells so that is to be accepted. It is not possible to reach all areas across the country.

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