Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Bill and the amendments outlined by the Minister. Quality water is very important. Often new connections are sought when there is a problem with an existing source. Local authorities should be instructed to test the existing source, whether to a farm or a house, to ensure their supply cannot be contaminated. There have been cases where a new source, when connected, has been polluted by an existing one. That has caused serious problems for local authorities. When a new supply is being connected, the existing one should be thoroughly checked.

The Minister referred to existing schemes. Certain members of a scheme may not want it to be taken over. If two thirds of the board agree, it can be taken in charge and properly looked after. I have no doubt that those in the local authority are the best people to look after the source. There are many group schemes, particularly in rural areas, which have worked well but there is a high risk.

Senator Ryan commented on the situation in Galway. If one has a holiday home or a mobile home in Galway, one faces a risk with the water source. I reckon that in many cases local authorities have know about problems with, or risks to, water and have stood back from them and not dealt with the people causing the problems. A problem then blows up leaving it quite late to try to rectify it. If people sought funding and took the initial steps to rectify the problems in time, many of them could be alleviated. I welcome the Bill and the amendments the Minister outlined.