Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. Senator Kitt will agree the Gort regional water scheme has been discussed for at least 30 years. However, it seems there has been little or no progress in that time as to how a proper water supply for Gort should be provided or augmented. The latest response from Galway County Council stated that work is ongoing on the environmental impact study and the abstraction order cannot proceed until it has been completed.

While I do not know who is responsible for compiling the environmental impact study in this instance, this has been going on for years. Someone is passing the buck along the line in respect of both the EIS and the abstraction order. There is no agreement as to the nature of the construction in the lake, regarding the water coming out or otherwise. Examples have been cited, mainly by the local farming community, who are concerned about the levels of the water and the manner in which it is proposed to dam the water at that location.

I wish to raise some important points regarding the town of Gort. Approximately five years ago, a serious fire took place in the town, which highlighted a problem, namely, that when the fire brigade attempted to use the hydrants, it found there was no water pressure. Subsequently, steps were taken to install new piping in the town's main street. While this was done, it did not improve either the supply of water or other matters. Even the Ennis road, which is probably one of the areas closest to the source of the supply, has no pressure whatever.

Apart from the question of pressure, the question of quality also arises. The water is distinctly discoloured and at present, no one can take and drink a glass of water from the supply in Gort. It would remain unacceptable even after boiling. Last year, I was told that tenders were issued for new pumps to augment the supply in various areas in which the pressure was low. This mainly concerned areas such as Ballyhugh, the Ennis road and other localities within the town. Although the pumps were purchased during the year, they will not be installed until 2007.

I do not know who is to blame in this case. However, this is not as much a matter of apportioning blame as it is a complete stifling of progress in this locality. The worst aspect of the issue is that in recent times, there have been clear indications that the local authority will not allow any further developments and will refuse planning permissions within the town. This constitutes a serious blow to a town such as Gort, which has just begun to expand, as have many other urban areas within striking distance of Galway city. However, it would be a serious consequence if, on top of everything else, restrictions were to be placed on the number of planning permissions and the development of the town.

As long ago as 2003, all local public representatives made representations on various aspects of the inadequacy of the supply of water to Gort. We were fobbed off with assurances to the effect that matters were in progress or that planning had reached a particular stage and awaited input from someone else. Frequently, the buck stopped in the Department with the Minister. It would then be thrown back and forth between the Department and the council.

I ask the Minister of State to ensure that clear decisive action will be taken regarding the improvement of the supply and quality of water in the town. This cannot be allowed to continue and whoever has been stifling progress or making inadequate efforts to secure a proper supply should be asked to move the issue along as a matter of urgency in order that the town of Gort can develop properly.

The most important point regarding supply to domestic households, hotels, bed and breakfasts and so on, is that at present, they cannot use the water safely for drinking and are obliged to buy water in cans. As the Acting Chairman is aware, within half a mile of this locality, the floods can be up to six feet high. Nevertheless, the town of Gort has no drinking water. I ask the Minister of State to take whatever initiatives are necessary to ensure the supply of water in Gort, in terms of both pressure and quality, is rectified as a matter of urgency.