Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this historic Bill which provides for the establishment of Uisce Éireann, Ireland's first water utility. This is a reforming Government and a key reform in the programme for Government was the identification of the need to establish such a utility. It was recognised that our people deserve a world-class water service that would be sustainable and of high quality, thereby providing us with safe drinking water in sufficient quantities for our home needs and to meet the needs of both small business and large industry. Widespread consultation took place. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht also produced a report and a number of its recommendations have been taken into account in this Bill, most notably that Uisce Éireann would remain in public ownership and be accountable to the Oireachtas.

At present our water supply is delivered by disparate providers. The establishment of Uisce Éireann will provide an opportunity for more cohesive management and supply of this most essential resource. In Ireland we take water for granted because it is so much a part of our lives, as a rain-soaked nation. Globally we see the hardship caused because so many nations have no water, yet our having too much at certain times causes us so many problems. Only yesterday, the Oireachtas environment committee heard from the IFA about the terrible problems caused by flooding of the River Shannon to many who live, work and farm in the Shannon catchment area. I am familiar with this situation, having grown up in the area. The IFA outlined in great detail the hardship caused when too much water floods lands and even properties.

During our many committee hearings on this issue the role of the expertise of local authorities was highlighted. I am delighted to note that Uisce Éireann intends to build on that expertise and that the transition of functions will be phased over time. It is important to ensure that the strengths inherent in the local authority water management system are not lost in this transfer. In addition, a key function of Uisce Éireann will be to work with the local authorities in the greater Dublin area to achieve a sustainable water supply. I am keen to see the proposal by Bord na Móna to abstract and bring water from the River Shannon to a reservoir in Garryhinch, County Offaly, progressed as soon as possible. I see the development of the reservoir as an opportunity for people in Offaly, an area badly in need of new employment. It will be also a great opportunity for sustainability of supply, not only for our entire population but also for industry. Foreign direct investment is lured not only by our favourable corporation tax rate, our educated and employable people, and our charm but also because we have a sustainable and high quality water supply.

While at times there is flooding in some parts of our island, we must also focus on conservation. Leakage is a problem which must be addressed as soon as possible. I see the installation of water meters immediately helping in that quest with charges being based on usage. This, in itself, will be an incentive to reduce consumption.

This new public utility, Uisce Éireann, will bring new employment opportunities. I hope that indigenous manufacturing companies will obtain contracts for supply of the infrastructure and that there will be other opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises at the installation phase, giving local and regional contractors who have been struggling a new lease of life. Later on, I understand that 400 billing staff will be needed.

There are other recommendations that the Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht of which I am a member made that I am keen to see implemented when Uisce Éireann is up and running, for example, that there would be a national tariff for water as is the case for other utilities and that a waiver system would be put in place to protect low-income households.

Accountability was of great concern to the committee members and we recommended that there should be a strong consumer voice, such as in the approach in taken in Scotland. Rain water harvesting was also highlighted as having great potential for homes and public spaces.

Ultimately, I believe that we are taking the right step in the establishment of Uisce Éireann. Who knows? Perhaps, when it is well established, it might start to examine the potential that I believe we have as a people to provide other countries with our surplus water. As I stated, there are many in need of a safe and sustainable supply and perhaps we should start to think of our water not only as a resource, but as a commodity.

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