John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

As I indicated, we are making assessments and will increase substantially the amount to be invested in water conservation in the same way as we fulfilled our commitment to invest in flood protection. Investment will happen because it is an absolute necessity. During the cold snap there was demand in the Dublin area of some 624 megalitres, which broke all previous records. The level of demand will increase in general as our population increases. Apart from the need to replace pipes, there are various other issues to consider in this regard. For example, I have introduced new building regulations relating to dual flush. Some of the existing pipes were poorly laid, which is a question of building regulations, and consideration must be given to that. A multifaceted approach is required.

We will make an assessment of the damage that has been done and investment will continue apace. The recent difficulties drive home the point that our water supply is precious. We have had problems in the State with substandard drinking water as a consequence of cryptosporidium pollution. The current and recent water shortages have been severe, with people in parts of my constituency going without water for seven or eight days. It is unacceptable in a First Word country that people should have to endure what is not merely inconvenience, but hardship.

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