Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
533. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a comprehensive update and current position regarding drinking water (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42358/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGroup water schemes are independent community-owned enterprises and are an important means of providing piped water to rural areas where no such supply exists.
In the interest of public health, Kildare County Council, as the supervisory authority under the Drinking Water Regulations for private water supplies, issued a ‘Do Not Consume Notice’ to the Group Water Scheme referred to in the question earlier this year. The notice prohibits the use of the water supply for either drinking purposes or for the preparation of food. As this is a private supply, primary responsibility for its resolution rests with the management of the supply.
My Department's Rural Water Programme provides capital funding under a multi-annual programme and an annual subsidy for the operational and management costs of group water schemes providing water for domestic use. The funding under the Programme is particularly focused on helping group water schemes to achieve wholesome and clean drinking water that is safe to drink on a consistent long-term basis by being compliant with the Drinking Water Regulations.
My Department is responsible for policy while the day to day management of the Programme is devolved to the local authorities. I understand that Kildare County Council, as the supervisory authority under the Drinking Water Regulations for private water supplies, are continuing to actively work with the Group Scheme to sustainably resolve their water quality issues.
Each local authority has appointed a Rural Water Liaison Officer (RWLO). The RWLO deals with the day to day issues for the Programme and can be contacted at the local authority offices.
