Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important and I express my gratitude to the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this Topical Issue matter as it holds significant importance in Mayo.

The multi-annual rural water programme is a crucial initiative that focuses on improving water quality in rural areas and ensuring access to clean and reliable drinking water for rural communities. Looking ahead to the future, the multi-annual rural water programme for the period 2023 to 2025 is anticipated to bring substantial benefits to Mayo, especially through the provision of new water connections. This will enhance access to clean water, elevate quality of life, foster economic development and promote sustainable growth in our communities. However, in specific areas of north Mayo approximately 500 households are still without running water. I am not sure whether there are issues around access to running water in counties Kildare or Wexford.

Since entering the House, I have consistently raised this matter, sought updates on the timing of new water connections and emphasised the importance of providing access to clean and reliable water for communities. Communities such as Carrowteige, Shrataggle, Portacloy, Porturlin and Clery in Kiltimagh are currently living without piped water supply. The water is frequently condemned, rendering it undrinkable and unusable. Residents urgently require a new community water connection. Households are facing dire circumstances that is severely impacting on their quality of life and living standards. They struggle to reach adequate home heating temperatures, are unable to shower and face difficulties using their washing machines and dishwashers due to clogging of systems caused by bog water. It is disheartening to think that in 2023 households in certain areas of County Mayo still lack the fundamental necessity of running water. Last July, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage stated that the Department expected to announce programme priorities and invite local authority submissions or bids by late 2022. It is May 2023 and no progress has been made on this matter. Will the Minister of State provide some clarification on future iterations of the rural water programme? What is causing the delay in the current programme and when can we expect an announcement on the next programme? I thank him for his attention.

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