Gormley agrees Galway water crisis 'unacceptable'

The Minister for the Environment has said the contamination crisis affecting Galway’s water supply must be addressed by the City Council in cooperation with the EPA and the HSE.

Residents in four parts of the city have been advised not to drink their tap water after high levels of lead were detected in the supply.

The affected areas are Old Mervue, Bohermore, Shantalla and the Cladagh.

Minister John Gormley said this afternoon that the crisis must be dealt with as quickly as possible.

"It's totally unacceptable that people in this day and age have to drink water with a lead content," he said.

"I know it’s a small area but it is simply not acceptable; that’s why I am urging the local authorities along with the EPA, with whom I have given extra powers, along with the HSA to deal with the situation as soon as possible."