Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I discussed the matter further with somebody with technical insights. That person told me that effluent from the plant was not being pumped far out into the sea because of the new technology. We welcome this, as well as a €170 - never mind €170 million - saving in taxpayers' money. We do not want to see any taxpayer's or ratepayer's money wasted; rather, we want to see it being put to good use. Dublin City Council could have done exactly the same thing with the same plan and technology and achieved the same outcome.

The previous Minister, like the Minister, referred to water services stopping at county boundaries. Were they never members of local authorities? If they were, they would know that water services do not stop at county boundaries. The water flowing from taps in Tullamore in Deputy Barry Cowen's county comes, I understand, from Clonaslee, County Laois. There is a protocol in place between the two councils. County Carlow which was represented by Phil Hogan supplies water to Graiguecullen, a place I represent. A simple one page protocol would address the matter. There is already co-operation between county councils in the provision of water services and such arrangements have been in place for years. Putting People First was published earlier in the year. There are 31 reformed local authorities, while councillors have more power. I would like to see them have even more power, but I welcome any improvement. The county manager or CEO now has to provide a report every month. The members of local authorities and their staff who are doing work for Uisce Éireann are capable of providing services.

The climbdown on costs in section 3 represents a major move on the part of the Government. I have mentioned the issue of disconnection, in section 6, another good move forced on the Government. If there is to be a water forum, it has to represent householders, trade unionists and those on the front line providing the service.

I have met these people many times and they are very concerned about the water services. These are concerned and dedicated people who want to ensure we have clean water and that it is provided efficiently.

I welcome section 8, which deals with the dispute resolution process. This is necessary. We wanted all of these provisions last year, but we never got the opportunity to tell the Minister. I have a letter of complaint in my pocket from a householder who cannot get any joy from Irish Water regarding a dispute it has with him over damage to property. The withdrawal of the requirement to submit PPS numbers is another huge issue. The Government has climbed down significantly on five fronts, but it should go the extra mile and abolish Irish Water. It is discredited; it has no credibility and never will. Irish Water is shot through. The Minister should abolish it, return to the drawing board and start anew.

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