asked the Minister for Local Government the reasons for the recent stoppage of water supply to the South County Dublin area; and for the delay in restoring supply to the areas affected.
125.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Water Stoppage.
124.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether consideration has been given to the prevention of further water supply breaks in the Dublin region.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.
The maintenance of public water supply systems is a matter for the local authority. As regards the recent interruption of supplies in a section of the Dublin city system, I am advised by the local authority that on Saturday the 4th December, they found it necessary to shut off the water supply to enable a major watermain to be relaid in connection with the scheme for extension of the Ballymore Eustace treatment works, which is designed for improve water supplies to the city and south county. Due to this work the 24" watermain from Saggart to Stillorgan emptied and in the process of recharging this main excess pressure built up near Stillorgan reservoir with the result that a burst occurred. When the burst was located at 7 a.m. on Sunday, steps were immediately taken to call workmen from their homes and work was put in hands without delay. Work continued throughout Sunday night and was completed by 8 a.m. on Monday. It was then necessary to recharge some 11 miles of 24" watermain from Stillorgan to Saggart before domestic supplies could be restored to normal.
This had to be done with great care to prevent a further burst. Every possible precaution is taken by local authorities to prevent interruption of water supply but it will be appreciated that it is not feasible to eliminate completely the possibility of such bursts occurring in the system from time to time.