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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 May 1981

Vol. 328 No. 14

Written Answers. - Dublin Water Pressure.

164.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he is fully satisfied with water pressure in the Dublin 1, 7 and 9 districts; whether the water pressure in these areas is adequate to deal with minor and major outbreaks of fire; whether the opinions of the fire brigade service have been sought or given in respect of the adequacy or otherwise of such water pressure; if he is not completely satisfied with the position, if he will outline in which respects pressure is inadequate and the areas affected; the steps it is proposed to take to make good any such inadequacy; and whether any alternative arrangements for water supply for combating fire outbreaks is possible in the interim.

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the responsibility of sanitary authorities to make such provision as they consider necessary to ensure that a sufficient supply of water is available for fire fighting purposes in their areas. I have, however, made inquiries of Dublin Corporation, the sanitary authority concerned in this case, and their report indicates that the chief fire officer, Dublin Fire Brigade, considers that the position in regard to water supply in the areas mentioned is generally satisfactory. Strict water pressure control is at present being exercised in the city but extra supplies are expected to come on stream very shortly from the new aqueduct from Ballymore Eustace, which has been undertaken in order to ensure that water production is sufficient to satisfy all demands. In the event of an outbreak of fire, the Waterworks Department are always notified and, where required, turn-cocks will report to the scene to divert supplies into the area. All first response fire applicances in the Dublin Fire Brigade carry 400 gallons of water for immediate use and are equipped with pumps to increase the water pressure for fire fighting. The fire brigade will also make use where necessary of any open source of supply, for example, rivers, canals, ponds, storage tanks and so on.

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