Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise a matter which was raised in the House last week regarding the carrying out by Irish Water of refurbishment works in the Oranmore area. There was a great deal of concern in the business community in Oranmore at the fact that the works were taking place during the peak summer season. Last Friday, Oireachtas Members representing the Galway area met with Irish Water and representatives of the Oranmore Community Development Association to come up with ways to restructure the essential works. I am glad to say that Irish Water has since announced a rescheduling of the works to accommodate businesses and the schools returning in September. It is an example of what can be done when agencies engage in an effective manner with local communities. These works, which will cost €5.7 million, are critical infrastructure works which need to take place in the area. It is important because similar projects will be taking place at 840 locations around the country. This is an example of how Irish Water should engage with those communities to listen to their concerns so that this important work can be carried out. I commend to all parties the resolution of the issue surrounding the works in the Oranmore area.