Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I would not usually bring such a local and specific issue to the notice of the Taoiseach, but he is not the first Taoiseach I have brought this matter to the attention of because it has been going on for so long and is so desperate. A village in my constituency, Shannon Vale, a gorgeous village next to Clonakilty, has a green space in its centre. It is the heart of the village, where festivals happen, children play and all these types of things. It is next to a river, and for two decades now it has been fenced off and unusable and dangerous because of the overflow from a wastewater treatment plant, which stinks. This community is just sick and tired of constantly raising this issue. The EPA has said that the leaks are a risk to drinking water in the area. I have been raising this issue since I was elected but there has been no focus on the issue. Shannon Vale really needs to receive a commitment that it will be included in Uisce Éireann's investment plan for 2025. Otherwise, the village will be waiting until 2029, at least, to potentially be included in the next investment plan. I therefore urge the Taoiseach to have a look at this issue and to please do what he can because this matter has gone on for a ridiculously long amount of time. The people in the village cannot be expected to continue to raise it. It is having a major impact on the entire community there because the people there cannot use the green space in the centre of their community.

See this speech in context