Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

l acknowledge the robust and challenging contributions to the debate from Deputies on both sides in the past two days. While we may disagree on many issues regarding water sector reform, it is important to recognise the passion displayed on this key issue across the floor. This is encouraging as it demonstrates the strategic importance of water to the proper functioning of a modern economy and society. I have been deeply impressed by the ability of most Deputies on the benches opposite to foretell the future and I hope they will continue to use their crystal ball theories.

Unfortunately the passion of the debate has not been matched by solutions or constructive ideas from the Opposition. We have heard much bluster about non-payment, resistance, protests, court cases and imprisonment. This type of messaging will not rectify the problems with our public water and wastewater systems, nor will it address the high levels of leakage, inadequate wastewater treatment levels or problems with water quality and supply in certain areas.

Consolidating and building on the reforms made to date is the only viable path to lifting restrictions on drinking water, ensuring people in 44 towns and villages no longer see raw sewage discharged into local rivers and lakes and preventing towns and cities from running out of water or becoming dependent on water treatment plants in breach of drinking water regulations. Deputies should imagine the demonstrations that would take place if demand for drinking water in Dublin were not met in future. Hoteliers, representatives of the tourism and retail industries and householders would protest on the streets about the lack of adequate drinking water.

As Irish Water continues to make progress under the various initiatives outlined in detail by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, last night and a more sustainable funding model which includes domestic water charges is implemented, we will create a more resilient, quality public water system of which we can all be proud.

Many Deputies raised the issue of unpaid water charges and the pursuit of arrears. I will comment on this issue up front. The Minister will soon bring proposals to Government on this matter to expand upon existing provisions in water services legislation. It is not tenable that those who pay should be disadvantaged in any way by those who can pay but refuse to do so. This would also place the burden of the cost of upgrading and improving a deficient water system on the next generation.

The Minister has always insisted that Irish Water distinguish between those who want to pay but are unable to do so and those who refuse to pay. Those who want to pay but are in financial difficulty will be able to avail of easy pay options and instalment plans, as is the case with all other utilities. Those who do not register or pay will not be able to avail of the €100 water conservation grant and will be liable for a late payment fee.

I will outline some of the benefits accruing from Irish Water's new approach to the provision of water services. Irish Water's asset management approach that underpins infrastructural investment is already realising considerable benefits in project costs and timeliness of delivery. Examples of projects where the company's approach to capital investment will make real savings compared to previous local authority plans include the Ringsend waste water treatment plant which will generate a saving of €170 million; the greater Dublin area drainage project which will save €30 million; the Cork city water supply scheme which will generate a saving of almost €22 million; the Navan and mid-Meath water supply scheme which will create a saving of almost €10 million; and the Kerry central water supply which will generate a saving of almost €9 million.

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