Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I move:

That Dáil Éireann:

— recognises the social and economic hardship caused by water restrictions and disruptions for families and local businesses;

— recognises that an inefficient, outdated and fragmented water network has contributed to drinking water supply problems across the State;

— notes that the State spends €1 billion every year in current and capital expenditure for water treatment and supply;

— notes the need for significant water capital investment for the next four years and recognises the difficulty for the State in financing such investment through Exchequer funding;

— condemns the vast amount of waste caused by 43% of water supplies lost through unidentified leaks; and

— notes that problems associated with water shortages were discussed in Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann in January 2010 with little action taken since then to avoid a repeat of similar problems;

calls on Government to:

— establish a single publicly owned water utility company to take over responsibility for water investment and mains management on a national basis while allowing local authorities to tender for the provision of services;

— establish a new utilities commission to merge existing regulators for utilities and to take responsibility for regulating a new water utility company;

— reallocate future water funding from the Exchequer to prioritise water conservation by investment in water mains weather proofing; and

— examine all engineering resources of the State to ensure a rapid remedy to widespread burst water mains.

I wish to share time with Deputies Simon Coveney, Paul Connaugton, Billy Timmins, Pat Breen, Olivia Mitchell and Tom Hayes.

See this speech in context