Water Supply To Get Cash Boost

Some €300m is to be spent fixing the country's 'under-pressure' water supplies, the Government said today.

Environment Minister John Gormley said the record repair bill will see burst pipes and old mains systems replaced over the next three years.

He said action had to be taken, with some regions losing about half of water supplies through leaks: "This is completely unacceptable and must be urgently addressed," he said.

Parts of Dublin and Clare are still without normal supplies after the big freeze damaged ageing water pipes.

"We are playing a huge game of catch-up with our water infrastructure, following decades of under-investment," Mr Gormley said.

It is understood the €300m fund is already in the Department of Environment budget but has been reallocated from other areas to ease pressure on the water supply network.

"The difficulties experienced by thousands of householders across the country show clearly that there are still huge issues with our water infrastructure and consumption of water that need to be addressed," he said.

Mr Gormley said plans to introduce water bills and install water meters in 1.1 million homes will be brought to Government in a few weeks.

It is hoped the roll-out of meters will begin next year.

"Water metering will be an absolutely essential element in ensuring that we get a water system that works, that is fair and that is sustainable in the long term," the Minister continued.

"The metering system will allow for much better network management by local authorities, and it should also help consumers adjust their consumption patterns.

"International experience of reductions in water consumption would indicate that there can be significant water savings arising from the installation of meters.

"A recent report for the UK Government found average savings of 16% per household accrued from the installation of meters."

(BMcC/GK)