Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

There are choices and we should be open about them. For example, by replacing our water network and introducing water conservation measures, including rainwater and grey water harvesting, we could put thousands of unemployed construction workers to work and help protect the environment in the process. These are the serious options and I hope "Poll Tax" Phil is listening to the debate. I know he was here earlier.

I condemn the chronic and ongoing lack of investment in our water infrastructure, especially during the time of budget surpluses, which in some places resulted in 58% of treated water lost in the distribution network before it reached households.

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