Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am referring to Deputy Paul Murphy and others. I am glad that the Leas-Cheann Comhairle has been listening to me as their behaviour was disgraceful.

The discussion has focused on water services, but we must address the sewerage system as many treatment plants are either not up to standard or are operating at over-capacity. There has been consequential environmental damage that is evident in 42 rivers. I inform Deputy Dara Calleary that many schemes must be dealt with as they received little capital funding in the good times. The last time Fine Gael was in government, in 1994 and 1995, it provided capital funding for the Templemore regional water scheme. That scheme now needs to be improved owing to growth in the area - it almost went dry and nearly reached a stage where water rationing would have been required. Investment is required, in respect of which Irish Water offers hope to people in the Templemore area.

The people protesting in Dublin are led by socialists and do not care about country people. Through the years country people have paid for water through group schemes, the use of private wells and so on. The protesters in Dublin act like parasites and live off country people as they have never acknowledged their role. In rural areas people running small businesses from their homes must pay for water and the same applies to other businesses around the country. Such businesses provided money for the country in bad times.

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