John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

If it did, it would improve the Shannon down in Banagher for Senator Moylan. At the time, I was told by senior local authority officials that it would be impossible to take water from Lough Ree to Dublin. I pointed out that a right of way existed along the route in the form of the Royal Canal. I suggested that a pipe be laid along the canal and reminded the officials that it would not be necessary to buy land. I was told that what I was proposing was technically impossible. One of the alternative measures suggested in the report produced by Générale des Eaux was the taking of water from Lough Ree. It is impossible for the River Liffey to continue to provide the amount of water that it is being asked to supply to Dublin.

I wish to return to the issue of metering. It is essential that we should know what amount of water is being used. When I canvassed in one of the most affluent parts of west Dublin during a by-election campaign some years ago, I found it extraordinary that people with three cars, three bathrooms, a jacuzzi, a swimming pool and two dishwashers complained that they might have to pay for water. Given that the amount of water used in some large houses is 50 times greater than the amount used in some cottages, it is clear that limits must be imposed in certain circumstances. In future, it is possible that a local authority waiver scheme will be introduced in this regard. Perhaps people should have to pay if they use an amount of water that is above the basic level to which everybody is entitled. Such a system can be put in place only if we provide for a metering system.