Tipperary TD Sinn Fein Martin Browne says Uisce Eireann/Irish Water is not fit for purpose. The TD points to the lack of proper communication with the communities that are affected by water supply interruptions and with public representatives.
Deputy Browne notes a persistent series of either water interruptions, boil water notices, or poor, inadequate and intermittent supply.
The TD says in such circumstances the response from Uisce Eireann is leisurely at best, while families and business struggle due to water issues. The TD says information provided to public representatives is also “far from adequate, with a lack of local knowledge evident, and a response time that does not reflect the urgency of the situation on the ground for households and businesses across the county.”
The TD says there is a lack of accountability for services and also expresses concern that there may be a plan for water charges on residential properties in the future. The TD is again calling for “constitutional protection of the public ownership of water services” and wants water services to be within local authorities to maintain the connection with local communities and council housing and planning departments.
