Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not just about fixing the leaks but about investing properly for the future. There are 850 treatment plants around the country, 500 of which are inadequate and inferior. This city is on a knife edge. We need to build and to provide for the future because the economy is on the increase and is improving. As that happens, there will be further investment and job creation and further opportunity for people have careers and live their lives as one would expect. To do that, one must have basic infrastructure. Are we to go on in this day and age with three sewers going into the river in Arklow? Is that what we want? We cannot stand over that.

Deputy Catherine Murphy made her case and I am sure the water system where she lives is functioning perfectly well, but she is lucky. She knows that the water flowing through her taps is paid for by the general Exchequer. However, there is never enough money to deal with the future requirements. The taxes she and everybody else pays go to housing, schools, hospitals and other public services but there is a gross inadequacy here which was neglected for well over 20 years and it is now time to fix it.

The contribution to be paid is a part contribution. I understand it is not easy to accept a new charge.

That is why we have taken the extra time to consider all of these matters. We will deal with them next week-----

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