Water: Statements
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-21
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Peter Roche (FG), Galway East

I welcome the opportunity to speak on water infrastructure, in particular, the role of private group water schemes, which remain essential in rural communities. Many of these schemes have benefited from grant assistance over the years, and that investment is clearly delivering results. Many are operating at an exceptionally high standard, with regular testing, ongoing monitoring and strong local management.
What concerns me, however, is the increasing and, in some cases, disproportionate pressure and threats now being placed on certain group water schemes by water services authorities. We are seeing cases where extremely low coliform readings, in fact close to zero, are being used to justify demands for full-scale treatment. The treatment includes mandatory chlorination. Any balanced and professional assessment would recognise that a marginal reading does not automatically indicate a public health risk, particularly where repeated results are satisfactory. In these cases, UV treatment is in place and no E. coli is detected.
There is a real opportunity for local authorities and private group water schemes to work together constructively, with a focus on guidance, reassurance and continuous improvement. Many of those involved in running these schemes do so on a voluntary basis and are deeply committed to maintaining safe, reliable water supplies. Protecting water quality is essential and everyone involved shares the same objective. What matters is that regulation is applied in a way that is evidence-based, proportionate and practical and that reflects the realities of how the schemes operate on the ground.
Private group water schemes have consistently shown that where they are supported and engaged with constructively, they respond positively and also responsibly. Strengthening that collaborative model is in the best interests of rural communities and water security across the country. We should spare a thought for the many villages that do not have an Irish Water supply or group water scheme. I can speak about two or three in my constituency of Galway East, particularly areas in Dunmore, that are crying out for a connection to a group water scheme or an Irish Water supply. There are being told little or nothing by the local authority.
My bottom line is that when we have exceptionally run group water schemes, which, as I mentioned, have no coliforms and close to zero readings, it is an insult for the local authority to apply undue pressure by suggesting these schemes be taken over by Irish Water.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-01-21/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-31T01:00:51+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-21