Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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541. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the action that has been taken or that is proposed to deal with the public health and safety issue arising from the levels of arsenic discovered in the group water supply scheme at Kilteel, County Kildare; the action that is now in hand or pending; when the issue will be resolved on a part-time or permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30903/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to the reply to Question 243 of 19 May 2022 and the information provided on the water quality issues with Kilteel Group Water Scheme. 

My Department's Rural Water Programme provides capital funding under a multi-annual programme and an annual subsidy for the operational and management costs of group water schemes providing water for domestic use. The funding under the Programme is particularly focused on helping group water schemes to achieve wholesome and clean drinking water that is safe to drink on a consistent long-term basis by being compliant with the Drinking Water Regulations.

My Department is responsible for policy while the day to day management of the Programme is devolved to the local authorities. I understand that Kildare County Council, as the supervisory authority under the Drinking Water Regulations for private water supplies, are continuing to actively work with the Kilteel supply to sustainably resolve their water quality issues.

Each local authority has appointed a Rural Water Liaison Officer (RWLO). The RWLO deals with the day to day issues for the Programme and can be contacted at the local authority offices.