Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin (Wicklow-Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Uisce Éireann has failed miserably so many villages in our counties of Wexford and Wicklow. Recently in Aughrim and previously in Camolin, I met builders who are ready to build desperately needed housing but Irish Water's failure to invest in wastewater treatment plants in both villages means they cannot proceed. Householders and small businesses, whether in Bunclody, Gorey, Arklow, Rathdrum or other areas, are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. A water tax would represent the last straw.

As previous speakers have said, water is very precious. Water is life and it must be conserved. Unfortunately, the Government has failed to invest in water infrastructure as we in Sinn Féin have been continually advocating. Instead, we have a massive 37% of water lost due to the underground network not being maintained. We are seeing the possibility of hard-pressed householders and small businesses being asked to foot the bill.

People power on the streets of counties Wexford and Wicklow and elsewhere defeated water charges in 2015. I have no doubt it will do so again in 2025 if necessary. The Water Services Act 2017 is still on the Statute Book. The Government and the Minister have said there are no plans to enact these extra taxes. If so, they have nothing to fear from backing our legislation so we can draw a line under this and put an end to this long-running saga once and for all.

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