Water Quality
Seanad Éireann — 2021-05-31
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Malcolm Noonan (GP), Carlow-Kilkenny

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir as ucht an t-ábhar seo a ardú inniu. I acknowledge that this is a human health matter and that there is also a cost to businesses, many of which have been dealing with lockdown over recent months and are seeking signs of hope from the pandemic towards a brighter summer. This is the summer of the outdoors, as the Taoiseach has stated. It is really important that our wastewater treatment plants and bathing areas are in a condition in which people can enjoy bathing in a safe manner.
With regard to the bathing waters at Kilkee, despite the complex pressures in the surrounding catchment, the continued rating of excellent - the highest and cleanest class - and the award of another blue flag for the 2021 bathing season is also to be commended. As we can see with the recent specific and temporary bathing prohibition notice that was issued for Kilkee as a result of a burst sewer main, however, ongoing and sustained investment to improve the standard of waste discharge into the environment is required. Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has had sole responsibility for all public water and wastewater services, which includes the investment in and planning of all future plants and infrastructure within Ireland. The Minister has no direct role in this matter. Irish Water, working in partnership with Clare County Council, is progressing with the Kilkee sewerage scheme project. This project is currently at detailed design stage and includes the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, the construction of new sewer pipelines and upgrade of the Irish Water combined sewer pumping station.
The commitment made by the Government shows that we are committed to resolving these issues around the country.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2021-05-31/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:49:20+00:00
Sitting date: 2021-05-31