Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The headline in my local newspaper today reads "Water Outage Outrage", reflecting huge frustration in County Meath related to all-too regular unscheduled and prolonged water outages. Areas worst affected include Ratoath in particular and Ashbourne and surrounding areas. There have been at least 20 water outrages in the past 12 months in Ratoath, for example, with tens of thousands of people, households and businesses, including many people with additional needs, affected. The response from Uisce Éireann has been nothing short of disgraceful in action and communication. The treatment of registered vulnerable customers is abysmal and the treatment of local households and businesses is the same. The frustration is such that communities are on the brink of public protest. I ask that the Minister intervene directly to ensure that promised works are expedited and that in the meantime, a dedicated contingency plan is put in place. It is urgently needed.

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