Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming in to take this important issue. We are facing into the implementation of a new multi-annual rural water programme between 2019 and 2021. I seek a proper water connection for households in Downpatrick, Furmoyle, and Carramore, which is a townland in Ballycastle, County Mayo, in order that they have water they can drink, wash their clothes in and use for showers which, sadly, has been lacking for many years. They have made a case for this for years.

I welcome the new multi-annual programme and the sensible inclusion of measure 6, which provides for community connections. Downpatrick, in particular, has had a very raw deal because for many years the area has fallen outside of the criteria. Last year, it was deemed ineligible because to provide a scheme it would have to be first built and then connected to a public mains operated by Irish Water. There was no provision for that option in the criteria but the issue has been addressed this year. I am hopeful that the scheme will get the green light and that funding of €229,500, which is needed to deliver it, can be put in place and allocated. This would serve a total of 17 domestic connections.

The problem is that people have tried in vain for years to drill wells to get water from other sources. There is a problem, although not a pollution problem - with the ground conditions in the area. There is a lot of iron in the water and naturally occurring arsenic, and, therefore, one cannot drink the water, which is red in colour. One could not wash one's clothes in the water either. There is a manual pump located in the village of Ballycastle where people get water to use in their homes, which is unbelievable in this day and age. Other than that they have to buy water to drink.

When one considers the debate that pertained regarding the equity of treatment of all citizens of the State in respect of water services, it is imperative that such projects be funded in order that people have access to water. When the debate raged about whether citizens should pay for their water, these households were not shy in coming forward and asking, "Will you give this cheque to the Minister and tell him that I will pay for my water?" These people are at their wit's end and have spent loads of money yet they still do not have a water supply.

Equally, Carramore has approximately 18 houses. They have made a separate application from the Downpatrick scheme. They are equally in a dilemma and they have nowhere to turn if the State will not help them. I ask that the scheme be given priority.

Finally, I refer to Furmoyle. I know from my own background work that there is an issue with the cost per unit. It is considered too costly under the current criteria. That is not the problem or fault of the households because the additional cost arises as a result of dispersed housing and the ground conditions, including the mix of rock, bedrock and topography. More engineering works must be carried out to deliver the schemes, which is more costly. If we are serious about providing water to households across the country, regardless of whether they are urban or rural, this matter must be addressed and additional funds must be put in place to support communities. These communities are coming to the State as a last resort. If they could drill their own wells, they would and get a satisfactory water supply but, unfortunately, they cannot do so. This is a problem and it is up to us to sort it. This problem is experienced by people in Counties Mayo and Galway, in particular, because of our rural populations and they need help. I ask that these schemes be prioritised as we look forward to the announcement of the multi-annual funding, which I believe will be in late April or May. These communities really need some good news.