Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak on this important motion. I compliment the Minister and my constituency colleague, Deputy Hogan, on his enthusiasm in this issue. He has hit the ground running and I have no doubt he will continue until he ensures we sort out the matter.

Approximately 80% of the drinking water here comes from surface water, with 20% from ground water. It reaches our taps through a distribution system supplying the majority of our households. For this water to go from source to tap, substantial investment is required. We should think about how that happens and what is involved in the process. Fortunately - or perhaps unfortunately - we are one of the only countries in Europe that does not charge for water. We must bite the bullet and get real on the issue, accepting the fact that we are no longer in fantasy land.

It takes much money to bring water from source to tap. In my previous careers I was involved in farming and had to pay water rates in my home county of Carlow. I paid substantial water rates of approximately €6 per day. Average use of water in a Carlow household is 0.3 cu. m. of water per day, equal to approximately 75 cent per day of usage. That is not much to pay for a very important resource and equates to the cost of a third of a pint of beer. That should not be a disincentive.

It is essential for us to bring the system up to date. Water is a very important resource and if we do not update our processes and charge for its use, we will continue the case of a free service being abused. The old saying that one does not miss the water until the well goes dry was evident last winter and the previous winter, when pipes were frozen. People abused the system in towns around the country by leaving taps running and washing cars when their neighbours may have had no water supply. Such problems must be resolved, and the only reason they came about was because water is a free resource. Anything that is free is abused. I commend the Minister on taking the initiative. He hit the ground running and I wish him well in his endeavours.

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