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09/03/2016
NRA Model Would Lead To 'Inevitable' Privatisation Of Irish Water - SIPTU
A National Roads Authority (NRA) type model for the provision of water services and infrastructural development would "inevitably lead to increased outsourcing and hasten the privatisation of the water services infrastructure", the Secretary of the Group of Unions at Ervia, Adrian Kane, has said.
"Over the past decade, SIPTU members have continuously warned against the creeping privatisation of water services and the proposal to use the NRA model would hasten this process," Mr Kane said.
"The NRA is responsible for approximately 6% of the road network while Irish Water has overall responsibility for both the capital investment and servicing of the State's entire water infrastructure.
"The NRA's capital works budget also reduced dramatically over the period of the recession from €1.2 billion in 2010 to a little over €0.5 billion in 2014. This is why a single, publicly owned utility, with a dedicated income stream, is imperative if the huge problems facing our water infrastructure are to be tackled in an intelligent manner.
"The debate between the payment for water services and the structure best designed to deliver and improve our water infrastructure needs to be separated. While water charges remain contentious it is imperative that the provision of water services remains in public ownership and is organised in a strategic and intelligent manner."
(MH/LM)
"Over the past decade, SIPTU members have continuously warned against the creeping privatisation of water services and the proposal to use the NRA model would hasten this process," Mr Kane said.
"The NRA is responsible for approximately 6% of the road network while Irish Water has overall responsibility for both the capital investment and servicing of the State's entire water infrastructure.
"The NRA's capital works budget also reduced dramatically over the period of the recession from €1.2 billion in 2010 to a little over €0.5 billion in 2014. This is why a single, publicly owned utility, with a dedicated income stream, is imperative if the huge problems facing our water infrastructure are to be tackled in an intelligent manner.
"The debate between the payment for water services and the structure best designed to deliver and improve our water infrastructure needs to be separated. While water charges remain contentious it is imperative that the provision of water services remains in public ownership and is organised in a strategic and intelligent manner."
(MH/LM)
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Ireland WeatherToday:Some low cloud lingering in the north and west through the day, although cloud should burn back to the coast as the day goes on. Elsewhere some good sunny spells with very little cloud. Warm with light winds. Maximum temperature 22 °C.Tonight:A sunny evening for most except where cloud lingers along the north coast. Cloud will increase for a lot of areas overnight with mist and fog patches developing. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
