Irish Water Money 'Better Spent On Infrastructure' - SF

Following the publication of a report revealing "dangerous levels" of lead in the Dublin water system, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment Brian Stanley has said that the "huge amounts of money being expended on Irish Water and water meters would be better spent addressing the problems of leaks and outdated infrastructure".

"I have consistently pointed out that the Government has wasted a massive amount of money on the corporate monstrosity of Irish Water," Deputy Stanley said.

We have seen close to €100 million spent on incompetent 'consultants', €570 million so far on water meters, even though people are being charged a flat rate, and millions more on inflated executive salaries. Meanwhile, the water system continues to lose around half of the water supply between source and user.

"Much of that is due not to household waste, but to an out dated and creaking infrastructure. Indeed, the system is so badly in need of repair that studies have found that lead levels in parts of the country are at dangerous high levels. Reports today show lead levels in some homes in Dublin at 80 times the legal limit. What clearer message is there that it is our supply infrastructure, not metering system, which needs rapid investment?

"It is not too late for the Government to abandon Irish Water and the double taxation that is the water charge, and to invest instead in a properly run, efficient, and safe water system administered by the public officials who have a vast well of experience and know-how in the field."

(MH)