Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to emphasise at the outset that what I say about water being brought from the Shannon to Dublin is not based on any concerns about the effect it would have on the Shannon or about farmers seeking compensation for wayleaves across their land. In the last couple of days, I received correspondence from a Ms Emma Kennedy, suggesting that the State is making what she considers to be a major mistake in commissioning the Dublin-Shannon pipeline. Her thesis, which is an elaborate one, is that Dublin aquifers and underground water sources would be quite adequate to serve the city of Dublin. The point she is making in her report, which she has sent to some Members of the House and to the Taoiseach, is that the total expenditure on this Shannon-Dublin pipe system would be of the order of €1.2 billion. Her thesis is that there is plenty of subterranean water in Dublin and plenty of sources in Dublin to make the pipeline redundant and to service Dublin's projected needs for water much closer to the city.

As far as she is concerned, the data on which the Shannon-Dublin water project was decided are faulty and the analysis underlying it is faulty as well. I am fully in favour of getting ahead with infrastructure if it is the right option. However, the Houses have not debated whether or not this thesis of there being plenty of water available in the Dublin region through using different technology to extract it from the earth has been adequately examined. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister with responsibility for this to make himself available to discuss this issue with the House. That is not the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, but it is the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Coveney, because the water issue was given to his Department.

It is a huge piece of infrastructure. It will cost €1.2 billion. If it has to be done, I am fully in favour of it. However, if there is a significantly cheaper alternative, I believe that somebody in this House or the other House should raise the issue of whether we are making a mistake here, bearing in mind the information that has been furnished to Members of this House. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister, Deputy Coveney, to come to this House to brief us on whether it is the case that the Shannon-Dublin water main idea has been fully considered in light of alternatives, including aquifers closer to the city of Dublin.