Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

On 8 January, a motion was put to Cork City Council calling on the Government to abolish Uisce Éireann and to return control of water services to the local authorities. That motion was passed by 13 votes to 9, with even some Government councillors voting for it. Privatisation of water services has proved to be a disaster in Cork city. Uisce Éireann allowed a private company to build, design and operate the new Lee Road waterworks. Some €40 million was spent on the project and the water supply is now worse than ever.

Two things need to be done. First, Uisce Éireann and the Government need to outline a plan with a clear timetable of how this problem is going to be sorted out and they need to communicate that plan clearly to the people of Cork. Second, the privatisation of water services needs to be reversed; not in ten or five years' time but in 2024 before more damage is done.

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