asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that on a recent occasion in Ballina, County Mayo, residents were not warned in time about the cutting off of water supplies in the town with the result that in one case a boiler blew up in a house; what regulations cover the issue of warnings by local authorities where water supplies are to be cut off; and what steps are taken to ensure the carrying out of such regulations.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Cutting off of Water Supplies.
4.
I am informed by Ballina Urban District Council that when a major break in the mains occurred in the town recently, which necessitated the carrying out of immediate repairs, householders in the area were warned by means of a loudspeaker from a vehicle that the water supply was being cut off temporarily. No report was received by the local authority that a boiler had burst. Sanitary authorities have no statutory obligation to notify householders in advance when they propose to cut off water supplies. It is, however, their normal practice to give prior notice to persons affected. The procedure varies from area to area. Consumers may be informed verbally, by notice in the public press, by letter, or by loudspeaker, as in the present instance, in emergency conditions.
Is the Minister aware that the supply to Ballina town is wholly inadequate for present needs and will he take the necessary steps to ensure that an adequate supply is made available?
Sin ceist eile.
In view of the fact that there is a likelihood of damage being caused, does the Minister not think there ought to be an obligation upon the local authority to notify consumers of the cutting off of water supplies?
I do not think there could be any definite obligation. In the case of an emergency — where repairs have to be carried out very urgently — it would be unreasonable to expect the local authority to wait until it was possible to notify each individual consumer personally.
What redress has a consumer who suffers against the local authority?
In this case the local authority did what it was reasonable to do, since it was an emergency and the repairs had to be carried out immediately. I do not know that they have any redress.
Question No. 5.
Who is asking this question? We will have to see about this gimmick of putting down questions when the Deputy concerned is not in the House to ask them.
Any Deputy is entitled to ask a question.
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 5.