Introduce Domestic Water Charges as a Matter of Urgency

18/01/2010

Tuesday, 13th January 2010

Chambers Ireland has today (13/01/10) said that the water crisis currently facing many counties across the country highlights the need for water meters and charges for all users to be introduced as a matter of urgency.

Seán Murphy, Deputy Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland said, “Many local authorities have been forced to reduce water pressure and in some cases stop supplies completely as many of the nation’s reservoirs are at critically low levels.”

“In one Dublin local authority, the water demands spiked at 82,733 metres cubed on Sunday compared to an average demand of 72,000 metres cubed. This jump in demand came as result of some burst water pipes but more significantly taps being left to run to prevent pipes freezing and people stocking up on water following viral SMS campaigns claiming that water supplies were being cut off. This simply would not happen if people were paying for these scarce resources.”

“Chambers Ireland welcomed the announcement that water meters would be introduced as part of the Programme for Government. However, given the events of recent weeks the schedule must be brought forward to delivery within one year. This estimated €2bn programme would also provide much needed stimulus to the construction sector.”

“The cost of providing Ireland’s ‘free’ public water supply for domestic users currently stands at €1.2bn. If we are to protect this precious resource, then all users must be conscious of how they use it. Moreover, in order to identify leaks and blockages throughout our water network, we must begin with a system of measuring what is being used.”

“The current National Development Plan (NDP) earmarked €4.75bn for water treatment programmes across the country. Ireland’s economy is much changed since the NDP was announced and the only way this could now be achieved is by raising additional revenue. The most equitable way of doing this is by creating more broad-based revenue streams which will focus not only on raising money for capital infrastructure investment programmes but will also incentivise conservation,” Murphy concluded.

- Ends -

For further information please contact Jessica Dempsey, Press & Communications Officer, Chambers Ireland on 01-4004303, 086-6081605 or email jessica.dempsey@chambers.ie.

Notes to Editor

Water demand in the South Dublin County Council area peaked at 82,733 cum on Sunday night. Further information http://www.sdcc.ie/images/stories/images/sdcc_water_demand.png.

Chambers Ireland is Ireland’s largest business network with 60 member chambers representing 13,000 businesses on the island of Ireland.

Jessica Dempsey
Press & Communications Officer
Chambers Ireland
17 Merrion Square
Dublin 2
T:  +353 1 4004303
M: +353 86 608 1605
F:  +353 1 6612811
E:  jessica.dempsey@chambers.ie
W: www.chambers.ie

Chambers Ireland is Ireland's largest business organisation with 60 member chambers representing over 13,000 businesses on the island of Ireland.

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