Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is a most reasonable request and I am sorry the Deputy has to raise it persistently on behalf of his constituents. I note what he has said about communication with Irish Water-Uisce Éireann, whose services continue to improve yet have room for further improvement.

As the Deputy is aware, the operation of Macroom public water supply is a matter for Uisce Éireann, which has statutory responsibility for all water services planning, delivery and operation.

In turn, the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, is responsible for setting quality standards and enforcing compliance with EU directives on the provision of drinking water.

As the Deputy stated, the boil water notice in place for the Macroom public water supply was issued on 27 August last following consultation with the HSE. As the public health authority, it is the HSE's decision to issue boil water or do not consume notices. The notice in question was lifted on 25 September. Unfortunately, as the Deputy pointed out, following the adverse weather experienced in County Cork the weekend before last, a further boil water notice had to be issued on 30 September. That notice is still in place. It was issued because of the supply shortage in the raw water source and the difficulties with the clarity and cleanliness of the water. I believe "increased turbidity" is the phrase used in that world.

The notice was issued to protect the health of approximately 4,194 customers served by the Macroom public water supply. The Deputy is aware that customers can check if their properties are included by visiting . Uisce Éireann has indicated that it understands the impact a boil water notice can have on a local community. I understand that its crews are working to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. This is being done in consultation with the HSE. With continued high demand on the supply, the reservoir is only now refilling. It is necessary to fully replenish the reservoir to ensure stable operating conditions can be restored at the water treatment plant, which would allow the lifting of the boil water notice.

The priority of the Government is to ensure that people’s health is protected and that adequate water is available for all consumers. Everybody wants to see the notice lifted without undue delay, but this can only happen when the HSE and EPA have confirmed that the water supply is safe.

The Deputy correctly asked about what can be done in the longer term. Investment in Uisce Éireann has reached a record level of more than €2.7 billion to allow it meet the cost of delivering water services in 2025. However, as the Deputy will be aware, that has to translate to delivery on the ground. I am sure that is his priority on behalf of his constituents.

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