The chairman of Ogra Fianna Fail in Gaoth Dobhair latest news on of the overdue water pipe issue in the area isn’t his only concern.
Aodán o Gallchoir, who is a member of the Irish Cancer Society, said “High levels of Aluminium and manganese is not my biggest concern. These pipes which feed our drinking water to at least 90% of all houses are made from the material of Asbestos cement.
“This may be currently a safe material as they are however as we all know that Donegal County Council have to deal with pipe breaks which Is an annual occurrence. When this occurs we are left vulnerable to asbestos fibres. As we all know there is a correlation Asbestos fibres and cancer. Donegal is having a rise in Cancer rates every few years. This worries me greatly.”
“However I must stress the fact that I am not suggesting that the drinking water is cancerous. I am stating the history of the material. Also, I am saying that it is unclear for the people on the correlation between the material and the fact that our drinking water runs through it.
“I know families who boil and even go to the extent of avoiding drinking our Tap water due to the health concerns involved. In the twenty first century can we leave families in the dark on this issue..? Can we leave families being afraid to drink their own “Safe” drinking water..?”
He commended Senator Brian ó Domhnaill on having this issue raised to the Minister of the Environment Phil Hogan.
“This is a long time overdue without a doubt. I hope the Minister takes the peoples concern into consideration and to grant a fund to replace these pipes. Our water should be passing through Plastic Water pipes. This would be safer and less of a health hazard.”
Aodán also said that if there is anyone out there that is concerned about their drinking water in their local area should contact the Donegal County Council or to contact himself personally at aodanogallchoir@yahoo.com