Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I cannot understand the reason consideration is being given to a proposal to pump surface water from the River Shannon to Dublin to meet the water needs of the capital when the city is surrounded on two sides by the north Leinster aquifer. This aquifer, which stretches from Daingean, County Offaly, through counties Kildare and Meath and across north Fingal until it enters the sea between Balbriggan and Rush, can be viewed on the Environmental Protection Agency's website. It has been mapped and tested by the EPA for nitrates and coliforms. Although it is the largest and cleanest aquifer in the country, it has never been surveyed for its potential output as a public water source. This output can be estimated based only on the groundwater extraction at Bog of the Ring in Fingal. The output at this point, which accounts for approximately one hundredth of the total aquifer, is 3.5 to 4 million litres per day. On this basis, potential overall output may be as high as 350 million to 400 million litres per day, equivalent to the estimated shortfall in the Dublin water output.

Five hydrogeologists have agreed that at least three other potential public water sources could be tapped into between Bog of the Ring and Swords. The only people who understand and are aware of the importance and potential of the aquifer are those involved in horticulture who currently use it through a complex network of private and industrial wells.

Groundwater is currently under-used, with only 5% of the public water supply derived from groundwater sources. This figure compares with figures of 99% in Denmark, 72% in Germany and 70% in the Netherlands. The risk of contamination of surface water is much greater than that of groundwater. Estimated costs of removing water from the north Leinster aquifer are approximately one tenth of the cost of pumping water from the River Shannon. The cost of purifying water from the aquifer would be a fraction of that required to purify surface water.

The Government must protect our water sources. A national policy is required for the management of all water resources, particularly in the context of predicted water shortages and recent water-related health problems in Galway. Identification, development and protection of locally and regionally important groundwater resources such as the north Leinster aquifer are vital. The Minister must act now on this strategic issue of national importance.