Proinsias De Rossa
Ceist:143 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the independent analysis of tap water in Ashbourne, County Meath, which disclosed levels of iron almost ten times the maximum admissible concentrations as prescribed by EC guidelines and manganese levels five times those of the guidelines; the reason he granted a derogation from the relevant EC directive to Meath County Council in respect of iron and manganese in drinking water; the terms of the derogation; the steps, if any, that are being taken to bring the water quality into line with that specified in the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.