John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I thank Senators for giving me an opportunity to speak on this motion and the amendment that has been moved. I share the concerns expressed about the severe difficulties experienced in some cases following the recent disruption to water supplies. The difficulties encountered by families, businesses and the farming community during the festive season followed the harsh weather conditions in the lead-up to Christmas. It is only when supply is disrupted that the importance of water services are fully appreciated.

I will speak in detail on the background to this problem, the steps taken to deal with it in the short term and the longer term plans for rehabilitating defective water mains and modernising the water sector. Before I do so, I emphasise my gratitude for the efforts of local authority staff and contractors in responding to the situation as quickly as possible in exceptionally challenging circumstances.