Galway wastewater infrastructure
Deputy Connolly raised urgent defects in Galway wastewater treatment and collection pipes, warning of possible collapse. The Minister of State said the situation was urgent and that the issue would be taken up with Uisce Éireann.
I welcome the all-female Front Bench. It is a good sign for the future and I hope there will be a change of policy as well.
I return to a Leaders' Question I put at the end of September regarding putting the spotlight on defective infrastructure in wastewater treatment plants in Galway, the necessity for one on the east side of the city, but more or equally important, the collection system of the pipes. On that day I quoted from a report that suggested the, "...pipe is at risk of collapse at any time. Urgent consideration should be given to repairs to avoid total failure." My understanding is that it is one of the two main siphons under the River Corrib. The very next day, Irish Water, when following up on a question from Deputy Catherine Murphy, stated that was not the position. I am reading from a report. The only confusion may be over which pipe but my clear understanding is that of the two siphons under the River Corrib, one is in danger of imminent collapse and needs urgent work. I ask the Minister for clarification on that.
Comment on this
That is an urgent situation. We will engage with Uisce Éireann. I know the Deputy has raised this issue on a number of occasions. We will engage with Uisce Éireann and get back to the Deputy with a reply as a matter of urgency.