Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of Irish Water officials refusing requests from local authority officials and elected representatives to attend their meetings in order that they might answer questions on serious issues such as lack of supply, long-term boil water notices and discolouration, to name but a few. The only reason Irish Water is being asked to attend is because it is not answering questions and is not giving clarity at all, even at its clinics. In the past few months, councillors in Louth, Mayo, Galway, Cork, Tipperary and elsewhere requested that representatives of Irish Water come before them. They have all lambasted Irish Water for its lack of accountability. This time next year, full responsibility for water services is transferred to Irish Water, there will be no accountability whatsoever because local authorities will have no input. Does the Tánaiste agree that Irish Water should continue to refuse requests to attend local authority meetings in order to discuss serious issues relating to supply, etc.? Is he happy with what is happening? How does he plan to rectify matters?

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