Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The unprecedented drought we are experiencing this summer has highlighted the need to invest in water infrastructure and boost water conservation. We all understand the importance of water. Citizens are now beginning to realise how important it is. Night-time restrictions on water pressure have been introduced. The commercial and industrial sector values water. The farming sector is being affected by the ongoing water shortages. The drought is having huge implications. As a commercial water user, I appreciate the value and importance of water if my business is to survive. What is happening is something I have not seen before in my lifetime. The river that runs by our hotel is currently no more than a stream. One could barely float a stick in it. We would normally associate such water levels with the middle or end of September, but we are now seeing them in July. It is an extremely worrying experience. I acknowledge the work that is being done in the Vartry reservoir. The Government has committed to the upgrading of the wastewater plant there and the pipe network. Vartry reservoir was full this year for the first time in three years. When I pass it each day, I can see the water level dropping. I think this is driving home what the real message needs to be.

It is vital for the Government to implement in full the recommendations of the special Oireachtas committee on water charges.

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