Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 December 2018
228. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a matter will be addressed regarding water supply in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52594/18]
View answerSince 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the planning, delivery and operation of public water and wastewater services at national, regional and local levels. As Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, I have no direct role in relation to the planning, delivery and operation of water and wastewater services, and I must respect the statutory authority that the Oireachtas has conferred on Irish Water in this regard.
I understand from my Department, which has made contact with Irish Water in relation to this issue, that Irish Water is taking steps to address public health and safety risks associated with the Glenderry water supply. Consequently, Irish Water plans to connect customers to the adjacent Ballyheigue public water supply. Irish Water is aware that customers may have concerns about the hardness of the water supplied from the Ballyheigue water supply; however, it should be noted that hard water poses no health risk to consumers.
I am advised that the Glenderry water supply, which has its treatment plant located in the school yard of the local national school, poses a significant health and safety risk.
The Deputy may wish to note that Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
