Seanad debates

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Irish Water: Motion

 

2:30 pm

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc 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 infrastructure

- 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
acknowledging that:
- Over €750 million has been spent on setting up Irish Water

- 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
accepting that:
- Water is a precious social and economic resource

- 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
calls for:
- The abolition of Irish Water

- 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.
The 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.

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