Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Conway-Walsh for raising the question. Indeed, we have our own water supply issues in my constituency where there are areas left for significant periods without water but, thanks to the investment the Government is putting into my constituency and, indeed, to the Deputy's constituency at Clare Island, I believe these problems are being ironed out and solved.

A number of projects are being finalised for Clare Island. One is a package ultraviolet unit. As there is no crypto barrier and crypto has been detected, it is proposed to add this treatment.

On granular activated carbon cartridges, the existing GAC layer is not fit for purpose. It is proposed to install six cartridges post slow sand filters-filtrations, with six on site for quick change out and a further six on stand-by for replenishing at the supplier depot. This will allow for quick change out of filters that can be done by hand, and constant GAC availability ensuring the integrity of the treatment process.

On investigation into possible new sources, investigations are under way to assess the potential to abstract water from a spring source further up the mountain. If these investigations identify a feasible new supply, it would also require the installation of an overground pipe of 300 m to 400 m to the new source for use in times when raw water quality deteriorates.

For the group water schemes, the Department’s multi-annual rural water programme, using Exchequer funding, is delivering improvements to water services, including in group water schemes, in areas of rural Ireland without public water services. The objective of the multi-annual programme, through its various funding measures, is to improve the quality, reliability and efficiency of water services for rural dwellers where Uisce Éireann services are not available. In addition, the Department's annual subsidy provides funding to contribute to the operational cost of schemes supplying water to their consumers for household use.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue.

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