James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State for taking this Topical Issue debate, which relates to the quality and contents of the water supply in Kilteel, County Kildare. In the constituency of Kildare North, Kilteel borders counties Wicklow and Dublin. It is in an important corner of the constituency where there are decent people and strong communities.

Sixty houses connect to the group water scheme that services the area. The scheme has been in place for a considerable time. In January, what was effectively a “Do not use” notice was issued by Kildare County Council due to suspected arsenic poisoning in the water. It seems incredible that something as nutritious and necessary for life as the water that comes into our homes is would have poison in it, but that is what appeared to be the situation.

Some temporary measures were taken, including tankers being sent to the area and water being made available on a temporary basis, but we are now into May and rapidly approaching June, which is almost six months into the year, and those 60 households and all belonging to them are still grappling with this poisoned water in their homes. I spoke to Ms Kathleen Lambe this week. She is a decent lady who is involved in the local arts and creative scene. More in hope than expectation that the issue had died down, she had consumed the water, perhaps mistakenly. She ended up in Naas hospital with suspected arsenic poisoning. Others have complained of being sick, with symptoms ranging from nausea to more serious complaints. Some have been hospitalised. We often discuss rural areas like Kilteel getting access to broadband and other services, but one of the most fundamental services of all is water for drinking, cooking and people’s day-to-day needs.

Engagement is ongoing with Kildare County Council and Irish Water. I have also been engaging with those bodies. However, I believe a Government direction will be required. Perhaps the Environmental Protection Agency could be directed to get involved and carry out an investigation. It is possible that Irish Water could connect the group water scheme to a wider scheme, allowing for continuity of supply and for the old supply to be rerouted from the poisoned well. This would require funding, as the residents cannot be expected to fund all of this under their own steam, particularly after being badly let down by State agencies. I ask that the Government consider a subvention to Irish Water, Kildare County Council or both to remedy this situation.

This situation has been ongoing for nearly six months and people are facing into the summer with its droughts and weather changes and when water is a scarce commodity. Decent, clean and non-poisoned drinking water seems like a fundamental requirement. The Minister of State’s constituency of Meath East has many similar rural areas that are reliant on such group water schemes, so he knows how important they are. I look forward to his response and what guidance and solutions he can offer as regards this problem.

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister for the reply and welcome the progress. I have been in touch with the Minister's office on this throughout and I welcome that those representations are beginning to bear fruit. I note the commitment that the Department will receive an initial assessment on the feasibility of an alternative groundwater source arising from tonight's debate and the representations in the next couple of weeks, as well as the fact the Department has instructed Irish Water to prioritise that request for the connection to the mains. I want to be positive and I want to welcome the progress that is being made. There is an urgency about it, naturally, given the type of issue it is. There was a situation where people had to buy bottled water for themselves in the shops and a tanker was occasionally being sent up, although perhaps not as frequently in recent days.

As an observation, at the outset of his reply, the Minister of State said it was a private supply and, effectively, was a private issue. I know he went on to explain that the State will intervene, which I acknowledge. However, it is only a private supply because of the lack of an alternative. If people could connect to the mains, they would have done so years ago, in particular if that had been an option when they were building their houses. Some have access to private water wells but many do not. Therefore, while it is a private group water scheme, it is only so because of necessity. I commend the community on organising itself in this manner and making these provisions for itself. It has stood them well for many years but, unfortunately, no longer.

In conclusion, I will keep in touch with the Minister and I look forward to those actions being taken. The long-term solution really is the connection to the mains supply, albeit it is a somewhat rural and isolated area. It has to be done and we have to find a way to do it. I recognise that the Department will now prioritise that through working with Irish Water. I also look forward to a progress update on the ground water supply. All of these things are necessary and important. As I said, we cannot allow 60 households in a rural community to just grin and bear it for any longer than is necessary. I thank the Minister of State and his office, and the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, with whom I have been working, for their inputs. I look forward to a swift resolution.