Deputy demands national audit for drinking water

A MEMBER of the Dáil whose home water supply is subjected to a ‘boil notice’ yesterday demanded a countrywide audit on the quality of drinking water.

The call, to the Department of the Environment, came following contamination of supplies in counties Galway and parts of Limerick.

Deputy Dan Neville, whose home is among hundreds in West Limerick affected by the ‘boil notice’ since November 2005, said the Government should back up an audit by increasing funds for upgrading water schemes.

He said the EU plans to introduce such audits but suggested Ireland should take the initiative.

Mr Neville said: “We have a duty to the people, as well as to the users of various group schemes and public schemes, that all necessary improvements are carried out. A question mark should never exist where public health is concerned.”

The Fine Gael TD said the Galway situation only came to light after people became seriously ill.

“How long were people using water which was contaminated and might have become unwell not suspecting that the water was causing this.” He said contamination of the Ballingarry supply only came to light during routine testing.

The EPA issued a directive— the first of its kind in this country— to Limerick County Council compelling the local authority to come up with a remedial plan for the Ballingarry water supply within 60 days.

The council faces possible court action if the directive is not adhered to, under new powers given to the EPA last month.

High levels of nitrates forced the council to issue a warning two weeks ago to more than 1,000 people who use this supply.

Expectant mothers and young children were told not to use water from the supply, even if boiled.

Meanwhile, work to restore clean drinking water to more than 250 households served by the Kilfinny group scheme near is nearing completion.

The supply is subject to a boil notice since November 2005 and people have, since, been purchasing huge quantities of bottled water.

Three of the four wells from which the supply is drawn have been upgraded and new pipes laid.

However, before the new supply is given the all clear, it will have to be tested over a period of time.