The headline in my local newspaper today reads "Water Outage Outrage", reflecting huge frustration in County Meath related to all-too-regular unscheduled and prolonged water outages. Areas worst affected include Ratoath in particular and Ashbourne and surrounding areas. There have been at least 20 water outages in the past 12 months in Ratoath, for example, with tens of thousands of people, households and businesses, including many people with additional needs, affected. The response from Uisce Éireann has been nothing short of disgraceful in action and communication. The treatment of registered vulnerable customers is abysmal and the treatment of local households and businesses is the same. The frustration is such that communities are on the brink of public protest. I ask that the Minister intervene directly to ensure that promised works are expedited and that in the meantime, a dedicated contingency plan is put in place. It is urgently needed.

If the Deputy can send me the details I would be happy to pass them on to the relevant Minister. Can I ask one question? What is the reason? Is there an underlying reason? Is it the upgrade of the plant or a new plant?

Infrastructure is creaking, Minister.

But is the reason for the outages in this instance that it needs new investment or that new investment is taking place?

They need new investment on the trunk main between Staleen and Ratoath.

If the Deputy could provide those details I will certainly raise the case with the relevant Minister.