Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We pride ourselves now on being the fastest growing economy in Europe, with a strengthening of foreign direct investment. Every decision on foreign direct investment requires the construction sector to measure up in terms of apartments, buildings, houses, office blocks and water supply.

It is a case of recognising that people have expressed legitimate concerns and anxieties. It is a case for the Government which set out the policy to ensure it is implemented in a fair and affordable way, as well as ensuring people have clarity about what it is they are being asked to contribute to. While people pay their general taxes - figures today show the tax yield to be ahead of profile - the fact of the matter is that for the extra infrastructure that is needed to fix the water and wastewater systems, we need a system of fair contributions. Some people do not want to pay anything and some have an ideological view about it, while others are quite willing to contribute to the upkeep of the water infrastructure. People need to know with certainty and clarity what it is they are being asked to contribute to and what it is for. As the Minister in question pointed out, there are several issues around Dublin water treatment plants such as those in Ringsend and Ballymore Eustace. Now, for the first time in years, investment is being made by Irish Water in fixing problems that have been long neglected.

I recognise, as do the Government parties, that this could have been handled better. It is time not just to listen to the people but to act on their calls. I hope in the next several weeks that the Government will make its decision, that it will be clear-----

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