Alan Kelly (Labour)

I shall avoid the trap into which my learned colleague, Senator Keaveney, fell in trying to pronounce the names of some of the contaminants that have featured in this discussion. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, who is my fellow countywoman. This is an important debate. Water quality has come to the fore of late given recent events in Ennis, Galway and elsewhere, thus ensuring it received more publicity than might otherwise have been the case.

It is important our water is clear of the various types of micro-organisms and parasites that have featured in contamination outbreaks. Many factors can affect water quality. Water treatment schemes may struggle to deal with factors such as heavy rainfall, drought, soil type, topography and so on. Residential development and agricultural activities can also be a factor. There can even be cases where it is a question of the breakdown of electricity supply. In some instances, there is a lack of consistency in the cleaning process.

The quality of water in private group schemes, in particular, is a serious concern. The European Commission has given the Government its final warning in terms of ensuring water quality. There has been a high level of contamination, arising in many cases as a consequence of leaks, many of which have not been rectified. The Health Service Executive has carried out testing at various intervals but this seems to be inadequate.

Farmers are frequently blamed for water contamination as a result of the leakage of raw sewage. There has been much publicity of such incidents and it is the easy option when pointing the finger. There are undoubtedly instances of such pollution but the scale of contamination from this source has declined in recent years. This is a welcome development. I welcome the provision of grants under the farming waste management programme. Contamination by raw sewage is the most visible source of contamination and the one that is most publicised. However, it is not necessarily the main source of pollution.

In the case of private wells, owners are responsible for monitoring their own water supply. If they require an analysis of the water quality, they must contact the environmental health section of the HSE. It is unclear, however, how many do so. Given the changes taking place in the environment, it is something to which people should give more consideration.

The various types of infections that have arisen are more likely to affect those with the weakest immune systems. I welcome the substantial funding that has been allocated in recent years. This level of funding is essential. The figure allocated under the national development plan is €850 million. Is there are any possibility that the provision of this funding could be brought forward? This is vital not only in the interest of public health but also with a view to meeting EU requirements.

The tendering process for group water and sewerage schemes may allow for some economies of scale through the provision of group contracts. Various types of contracts are being granted and I urge that efforts be made to ensure the schemes can be implemented as quickly as possible.

Will the Minister of State update the House on the roll-out of septic tank effluent drainage, STED, systems. I seek an update on the pilot scheme in our county. I see the departmental officials are seeking out that information. The more efficient and high-quality the systems of water supply and sewerage, the greater the benefit for us into the future. We must examine how waste water collection and treatment is managed in other countries. The treatments employed in the Nordic countries, for instance, are especially interesting.

The HSE tests water quality in public group water schemes annually. There is a case for an increased frequency of testing, especially where there is a track record of contamination. In such instances, testing should be repeated over a period until there can be confidence that the water is of adequate purity.

The EU directive on drinking water governs our position in this area. This directive established strict guidelines for the maximum level of contaminants allowed in a water supply. However, not all these contaminants are monitored regularly. I understand testing is carried out for the presence of eight to 14 of them. I am concerned that the presence of other contaminants may be going undetected. Are there any plans to update the testing system?

We have seen from events in Galway and Ennis that water contamination has a major impact. It is awful for people to have to manage without water. Contamination of the water supply also has a significant impact on rural tourism. The Government is committed to the promotion of rural tourism, although as spokesperson on tourism, I have particular concerns about spatial and regional development.

I compliment John Concannon on his co-ordination of the campaign to revive tourism in Galway in light of the water supply contamination there. Despite his efforts, however, the impact of the contamination was massive. The volume of visitors declined and, in many instances, hotels and other tourism-dependent businesses did everything, including offering cost prices, to attract visitors and protect their revenue streams. It is crucial that the investment is made to ensure our water systems are adequately maintained because the knock-on effects of any failings are serious.

Businesses are reacting to the incidence of water contamination. In Galway and Ennis, for example, many businesses have invested in filtration systems because of their lack of confidence in the steady provision of a clean water supply. It is unfortunate that they felt obliged to do so. Will the Government give consideration to some type of grant aid for the installation of such filtration systems, which can be expensive?

When work is carried out under the water programme, it is important an emphasis is placed on protection at source. Upgrading the schemes is essential but, in the process, it is important to ensure there is adequate source protection.

I welcome the water services national training programme. It is essential. I am concerned about the lack of joined-up thinking within departments in local authorities, as water schemes are struggling in some cases while there is a large volume of planning applications in some zones. In the village of Newport in my own constituency planning applications are going ahead despite the required water quality level not being met. Large developments are nonetheless being given planning permission, despite the authority acknowledging there is no solution to the problem. That is a mystery to me.

Previous speakers have raised the matter of river pollution. I was fortunate enough to be born only yards away from Lough Derg, one of the most beautiful places in the country, which is very close to my heart. It is one of the most beautiful places on the River Shannon. Not many people associate it with Tipperary, which is an unfortunate failure from a tourism perspective. I have issues with that also.

The level of pollution and its visibility are different. There is a level of pollution on Lough Derg which is unacceptable, and I have had experience of two dogs dying after drinking water from the lake. The visual effect of the pollution on Lough Derg is a concern and clearly does nothing for tourism promotion.