Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps Mr. Mullins might clarify the issue for me. Currently, there is a capacity issue. We all accept that. Are we 20%, 30% or 40% short? I am concerned that we could be 30% short, in addition to leakages of 41%. Some county councils have introduced what is generally known as district metering. Different terms are used in different localities. It shows that most of the leaks are in the mains, in the supplies going to the meter. Will Mr. Mullins comment on the point?

I wish to ask a couple of brief questions on the Garryhinch project. Up to last year it was a major project that Bord na Móna was anxious to roll out. There were big plans for this ambitious project costing €450 million to €500 million. The intention is to pipe water from the Shannon, where there is too much water for part of the year, to Dublin where there is not enough water. Could Mr. Mullins provide clarification on the future of the project? Is the project considered to be critical to the future of Irish Water?

An environmental impact statement, EIS, was carried out on the first section of the pipeline to the first lake at Garryhinch in the midlands. What is the position with an EIS for the remainder of the pipeline? Is there a lead authority? Is Bord Gáis pursuing the project and what is the position of Irish Water in terms of the project? Is it considered that Bord na Móna would be in a position to deliver the project, including the pipeline as far as Dublin?

Metering and charging were introduced in the 1980s. It is intended to undertake an extensive programme of metering. The witnesses have indicated there are slightly more than 1 million households. I believe it will be approximately 1.2 million households. Is it envisaged that there will be much resistance to the roll-out of the project at community level?