Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Hogan for tabling this motion. My constituency was badly affected by water shortages and cuts. Parts of Donaghmede, Coolock and Howth are still affected by cuts, a situation that has been going on for three weeks. It is farcical.

We all knew the cold snap was on the way but supplies of salt were inadequate for roads and reservoirs were not as full as they should have been. We should have learned the lessons of the previous cold spell but that was not the case. There should be accountability in the water distribution sector. In Northern Ireland when there were water shortages, the chairman of Northern Ireland Water resigned because of the hardship that families and businesses had to face during the cold snap; that is what is missing in this state. Water shortages caused many problems for business, with some having to close in the run up to Christmas, causing particular hardship. This was also the case for young families. Those who had to queue for water from containers had to often endure a long wait.

It is unacceptable that certain local authorities hit the same customers and businesses constantly whenever water supplies must be reduced or shut down. The system should be fair and every area should experience reduced water pressure on a rotating basis. Certain local authorities could not cope with the situation on the roads. There was a lack of grit that should have been supplied centrally and allocated to residents associations in suburbs and other areas.

The water structure is dysfunctional, with 34 authorities responsible for investing and maintaining it. Each of those authorities works in isolation, with no unity or economies of scale. That is why Fine Gael tabled this motion; we want to create a new structure, Irish Water. During the economic boom, proper investment was not put in place for water infrastructure and 34% of water now leaks away. Drastic action is needed but this will provide job creation opportunities if the Government is willing to accept our proposals.

Fine Gael has consistently campaigned for more investment in water infrastructure and the establishment of a single water supply company. The Government amendment reflects a willingness to accept what we propose and the sooner the better it puts its money where its mouth is. This undue hardship should not continue indefinitely.

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