Invest in water infrastructure instead of water tax – O’ Súilleabháin

A local spokesperson for Sinn Féin and campaigner against household and water taxes has called on the government to invest in water infrastructure instead of a water tax in Budget 2013.  Fionntán O’ Súilleabháin said that sequence investment in water infrastructure would conserve the water supply and create employment.  County Wexford currently loses 38% of its public water supply through leaking pipes every year.

Mr O’ Súilleabháin said;

“The government’s arguments for the introduction of water charges are flawed.  The introduction of water meters is not about water conservation but rather a simple minded attempt at generating revenue.  The government has learned nothing from its ill fated experience with the household tax.”

“There is a common sense alternative to water charges.  Sinn Féin is calling for sequence investment in water infrastructure beginning with counties that lead the unaccounted for water tables.  County Wexford is near the top of this list, losing about 38% every year due to leaking pipes.”

“Fine Gaels New Era document committed to investing €4.2 billion to upgrade Irelands antiquated water supply network.  They have since abandoned this promise like so many others.  Instead of paying €500 million for water meters, the government should be moving to fix the leaks in our water supply network.”

“Ireland currently spends €700 million a year just to produce clean drinking water.  This excludes capital investment.  Sinn Féin is proposing a €500 million investment over four years aimed at fixing and upgrading our water pipe lines, focusing on reservoir loss and the distribution network.”