Although Galway City's water supply is arguably the best in the country, there is still more to be done.

Councillor Niall Ó Brolcháin.

That's according to Galway City Councillor Niall Ó Brolcháin, who has bemoaned the fact that Galway City Council is still buying in water from the county council's treatment plant at Luimnagh.

The water crisis began on St Patrick's weekend last year, and Galway city's water treatment works have been upgraded to the highest standards nationally.

Green Party Councillor Niall ó Brolcháin, who was mayor at the time, negotiated a 12-point plan with, former Minister for the Environment, Dick Roche. As part of this plan the old Terryland Water Treatment works has been closed, with new treatment works, including a new UV treatment plant, funding to increase the new plant's capacity and eight extra staff provided to Galway City Council. A special contingency fund has also been set up by government to deal with outbreaks of cryptosporidium and e.coli.

Many local businesses and households have also put in their own water purification systems since the crisis.

"The Galway Water crisis should never have happened but it did, right in the run up to a general election. Thankfully, the response to the problems that occurred has been very significant and as a result, Galway city is less at risk of a similar problem happening than most parts of the country," said Cllr ó Brolcháin.

"However, there is no room for complacency; while the treatment plant is now in good order, we are continuing to import water from the County Council plant at Luimnagh. This needs to be discontinued," he said.

"The sad fact remains the quality of the water in our water source, Lough Corrib is not improving significantly, although progress is being made with a number of sewage treatment plants that effect, the quality of the water in our lake.

"I am determined to do everything I can to ensure that Galway city and Ireland become famous for our good water quality and environmental excellence. I am working closely with Minister John Gormley and his officials to improve the way in which water services are delivered," concluded Cllr ó Brolcháin.

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