Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 3

Written Answers. - Water Shortages.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

65 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the notification issued by local authorities in the Dublin area warning of the severe water shortages in the coming months; if he has satisfied himself that all hospitals in the Dublin area will have sufficient water for all their needs; the concerns, if any, he has regarding the public health implications of water shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5936/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

My Department has been advised by officials from Dublin Corporation that there should be an adequate supply of water to Dublin hospitals during the present period of ongoing works to the water supply network. Works are being carried out in each local authority area within the greater Dublin region to improve the water supply. Inquiries have been made by my Department and it is understood that there should be no deterioration in the quality of the water supplied from the production plants. It is also understood that every effort will be made to ensure the supply to hospitals will not be seriously affected by problems associated with low pressure. Hospitals in the area are keeping the situation under review and are liaising with local authority officials at local level.