COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN/PALMERSTOWN/FONTHILL AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

MOTION NO. 11

MOTION: Councillor V. Casserly

That this area committee calls on Irish Water to switch water supply back to Ballymore Eustace and update this committee on measures being implemented to avoid recurrence of contamination to our current supply.

REPORT:

Irish Water were requested to provide a response to this motion, and have responded as below:

The Environmental Protection Agency has carried out two audits of the Leixlip Water Treatment Plant. The results of these audits are available on the EPA website. Irish Water is currently considering the results of these audits and will respond in due course. The Boil Water Notices were put in place as a precautionary measure because of operational issues at the plant which meant there was a risk of breakthrough of Cryptosporidium and Giardia into the water supply. Irish Water has a monitoring programme for Cryptosporidium and Giardia at the Leixlip Water Treatment Plant. All samples taken during the period of the two Boil Water Notices were satisfactory.

The Water Treatment Plant at Leixlip is operating normally and in compliance with all drinking water quality requirements. Irish Water has increased water production at Ballymore Eustace, the country’s biggest water treatment plant, to decrease pressure on the old plant at Leixlip. . This is to facilitate the upgrade of filters at the ‘old plant’ at Leixlip on a phased basis. This process is being carried out as quickly and safely as possible while maintaining supply to the Greater Dublin Area.

Members are reminded that Irish Water have established a Local Representative Service Desk, which can be contacted at localrepsupport@water.ie or at 1890 178 178.  Irish Water also arrange Councillor clinics, typically these take place quarterly in County Hall and Irish Water send invites directly to members.