I want to talk about Uisce Éíreann on behalf of Councillor Michael Boyle in south-west Donegal and of myself. This is an issue for the people of Clogher, Leghawny, Copany, Laghey and the surrounding areas and townlands. I have raised this issue in the House before but nothing has changed. A public meeting was held a few weeks ago and the hall was full. The problem is that the reservoir was built in 1970 to serve around 80 houses, but now it supplies hundreds of houses and is not fit for purpose. A new reservoir, pump station and pipeline need to be installed. Residents have endless trouble the whole year round with low water pressure and burst pipes and often go days without water. A new reservoir must be built as a matter of urgency and a whole new infrastructure and pipeline must be put in place. Residents have called for this for years. I recall that this was an issue when my father was a member on the council. Our pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

I would like to thank the staff of Uisce Éireann on the ground who have put in a tremendous effort trying to keep water flowing. Anybody can ring them and they do their best to help.

The householders are frustrated by the lack of action. They are angry, and have a right to be angry, as this has been an issue for so long. The area is not serviced at all. The water supply is ad hoc, as one day householders can have water but not the next day.

While I am on my feet, I want to talk about the Teelin area towards Sliabh Liag, which is a beautiful part of Donegal. The pipeline there is ancient. We have nothing only bursts. In fairness, I credit the Uisce Éireann team for keeping it going.

Over the weekend, my phone never stopped ringing with calls from people from the Burnfoot area. They had no water for three or four days. We were first told that it was due to a burst pipe. Next, it was a problem with a pump. What is going on? The Government needs to prioritise and put pressure on Uisce Éireann to look after Donegal.

Every day, the phone is ringing and there are problems with Irish Water. Will the Leader feed it up the line that Donegal needs to be prioritised?