Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)

I welcome and fully support Sinn Féin's motion. The need for urgent action on critical infrastructure is no more keenly felt than by residents of Ballyhooly in north Cork. There are chronic water pressure issues in Ballyhooly that are having a significant impact on the quality of life of those residents. This has been happening for many years. The water pressure there is never reliable for a sustained period and is frequently non-existent. Recently, the village was without water for three days. When this happens, people cannot shower, appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines do not work and toilets do not fill or flush. The local national school is deeply affected, as are local businesses and farms. Families caring for disabled children or elderly relatives suffer greatly at these times. I spoke to a resident of Ballyhooly this morning who told me that Uisce Éireann frequently comes to the village to address leaks. Residents are appreciative of this work, but are utterly frustrated and drained by the constant uncertainty regarding such a basic need. Their water supply ebbs and flows. There is no way of predicting it.

Uisce Éireann has stated that a sustainable solution to this problem may entail replacing 6 km of pipeline, which will be a costly project. Executives from Uisce Éireann have made vague references to considering how to fund such a project between 2025 and 2029. This is lacking the sense of urgency required and is out of touch with the basic needs of a village where many people feel they have been utterly forgotten by the Government. Short-term repairs are of limited use. They are undoubtedly adding up to significant costs without resolving the issue. I urge the Minister of State to come to meet the residents of Ballyhooly and to ensure that funding for a proper, lasting solution to the village's water issues is provided.

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