Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 495: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he proposes to take to address issues that have arisen regarding the safety of the water supply system in certain areas of Galway City; if it is planned that he, and senior officials from his Department, will meet officials on Galway City Council; the measures he has taken to address the lead contamination issues that have arisen in certain housing areas in Galway; if such an issue was examined in previous examinations of the water supply; and the steps he proposes to take. [32345/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I refer to the reply on 25 September 2008 when this matter was raised on the Adjournment.

Subsequently, I understand that the Health Services Executive has confirmed that tests carried out to date have established that none of the persons tested has shown any evidence of lead toxicity. I have strengthened the legislation and provided additional resources to the EPA to ensure that the Agency is effective in its supervision of local authorities in the management of their public water supplies. I also understand that senior officials of the Agency have visited Galway to review the City Council's remedial action plans. My Department is also maintaining ongoing contact with the Council in relation to the current situation. In addition, substantial funding is being provided towards Galway city's water conservation programme and it is open to the city council to prioritise any necessary pipe replacement works.