Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Just off the N52 in Rathconnell, a heavily populated area near Mullingar, there have been numerous leaks in the mains water infrastructure on a one-mile stretch of road. There have been seven breaks in the asbestos line in one year and I am working closely on it with Councillor Bill Collentine, who is well equipped in this field.

I have received calls from several locals asking me a question which I have found hard to answer, so I wanted to ask the Leader. Is there any likelihood they could be poisoned from the asbestos line, which is in very poor condition and is constantly breaking? I am afraid to tell them they will not. A lot of work has been done with the new water authority to get the line upgraded but it is kicking us to touch at present. Can the Leader clarify the matter or invite the Minister to the House to clarify the position? It is only a one-mile stretch of pipe but it is constantly breaking and leaking and it would be great if it could be upgraded.