Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It has already been straightforwardly put to the Minister by my colleagues that if he has no intention whatsoever of introducing water charges, then it would make sense for him just to agree with us. We should agree the Bill and then create a scenario where there is absolutely no doubt with regard to introducing water charges and it becomes an impossibility to do so. We all know it was of serious benefit to the Irish people that what was in the water services plan and the whole idea of excessive use were put into the public domain. We know the Irish people have been absolutely clear that under no circumstances are water charges viable, possible or a solution.

We all accept there are big issues with underinvestment in Irish water infrastructure. Deputy Gould has already spoken about brown water in Cork. I have spoken many times here about the brown water in Dundalk. I agree that a large number of people do not trust the water that is provided. I am very glad there has been a pilot programme and we are looking at something that could be a solution. The problem is that every solution we talk about with regard to Irish Water will always be in the second, third or fourth quarter a couple of years down the line. I ask that we ensure Irish Water is sufficiently funded from a point of view of delivering the solution. I have no doubt, based on my conversations with the Minister, that he is aware of the issue with water treatment and getting rid of wastewater in south Dundalk. There are issues with developments which are now looking at putting in initial water treatment plants. This will be an added cost. We have big issues. I would like the Minister to come back to me on this.

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