John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am putting facts on the record. The reality is that it would cost €2 billion per annum for 20 years just to maintain, restore and upgrade a system that is creaking and breaking at the seams. Do people want us to strip this money from housing, hospitals and schools? The funding must be found somewhere and, whether we like it or not, the only mechanism is to set up an entity similar to the ESB to function as a water utility company that can borrow money and invest capital. Of course, one cannot win votes by investing in new pipes, as it is not a grand scheme, but it must be done.

Guinness, the iconic flagship industry of Dublin, is part of Diageo, which employs thousands of people and uses 8 million litres of water a day in the city. Intel and Glanbia use even more water. The reality is that if we do not secure a safe and sustainable supply of water the system will remain in the Stone Age. We call Ireland a smart economy, but our existing water and sewerage system, with 490,000 septic tanks, is in the Stone Age. This is not acceptable and it cannot be allowed to continue. If we are to be honest with people, we must impose a fair and affordable charge. People are tired of austerity and nobody in Ireland wants another bill through the letter box but, at €160 for a family, Ireland is offering the cheapest water in Europe by a country mile.

It is not politically beneficial for the Government to introduce this measure, as it is unpopular and will not win votes, but it is the right thing to do. Ultimately, this measure will be seen as the right thing to do.