Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)

I will break the reply down to the basics. The Minister of State said, "A case for mains rehabilitation works for the Adrigole area is under consideration by Uisce Éireann. As the process is only in the initial stages, it is too early to confirm a timeframe at this stage." It has admitted there have been 18 bursts since last May. How can be "in the initial stages"? People have been without water 18 times since May. I hate making comparisons, because we must represent the people of Dublin, but that would not happen in Dublin. There would not be 18 disruptions without something being done immediately and without an answer being given. I would plead with the Minister of State if she has not got that answer. I need that answer immediately. For three or four weeks, I have been asking then those works are going to start.

There has been a temporary solution. There is talk about a temporary water pipe up on the ditch, as happened in other communities. It worked out. I have no issue with that but I would rather something more permanent. The community has come back to me recently with a more permanent solution. Councillor Danny Collins is working on that as well to make sure we maybe lay the pipe opposite to where the pipe is laid already. The bottom line is that works need to commence, we need a date for the works but that is not happening.

The Minister of State can only read out the reply she got. I respect her for that. The bottom line is I cannot go back to the community with that reply because it is going to go nowhere. That will not ease the worry of the crèche owner, the school owner or the Airbnbs. They know there will be a lot more breakages and I am going to be back in the Dáil in 12 months talking about it.

The Minister of State said, "The Minister has no function ...". Good God almighty, the Government is giving €13 billion of taxpayers' money to Uisce Éireann. Surely to God somebody has responsibility for it because it has given up being responsible. At one time, you could sit around the table but it was only a short amount of time. Now we cannot even sit around the table.

All I am asking the Minister of State is whether she can give me a date as to when it will meet or a date as to when works will start in Adrigole in west Cork.

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