Seanad debates
Wednesday, 13 January 2016
Irish Water: Motion
2:30 pm
Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source
I move:
That Seanad Éireann:noting that:- Since Irish Water was set up not an extra cent has been invested in water infrastructureacknowledging that:
- Irish Water failed the Eurostat test and therefore is not fit for purpose as it cannot borrow off balance sheet
- Irish Water has been a complete failure by the government- Over €750 million has been spent on setting up Irish Wateraccepting that:
- Bonuses are still a feature despite promises to end them
- Local Authorities are still in charge of maintenance of water infrastructure over the next 20 years
- However direct local democratic accountability is no longer present
- In some areas Irish Water is already scaling back on much needed schemes thereby limiting capacity for housing in the face of a national crisis- Water is a precious social and economic resourcecalls for:
- Upgrading water infrastructure is crucial and should be a national priority
- Planned waste water schemes should not be discontinued
- A new smaller delivery model is essential- The abolition of Irish WaterThe most admirable thing anyone can do in politics is to admit to being wrong or that mistakes were made. We have seen many mistakes in the past by all Governments.
- Suspension of the present charging regime until the national water infrastructure is brought up to international standard
- This standard should be set according to 3 key tests of water quality, water supply and water leakage control.
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