Mr. Niall Gleeson:

The system works well at present. We have good co-operation with the local authorities. The water is delivered safely the vast majority of the time. The issue in Wexford raises gaps that we cannot afford. Bringing in a single public utility would allow for a single organisation to be responsible for water and wastewater services in the country, with simple lines of communication, a clear command and control structure, and national support and procedures for staff on the ground. The biggest risk at present is with communication, reporting, and training at a national level. As testing gets stricter, standards get higher and equipment becomes more sophisticated, we need to bring in that national approach.

A single public utility is the answer. Given the structure we have now, everyone is making a good effort to make it work, but it works despite the structure, not because of the structure.