Commenting on the continuing difficulties between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on Irish Water, Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD said today: “The refusal by Fianna Fail to allow any charge on the wasteful use of water in the lifetime of the next Government is illogical and undermines the national interest.
“We desperately need to invest in our water and waste water systems and at the same time increase capital spending on housing, transport, energy and broadband infrastructure. Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats and the AAA/PBP seem to be more interested in marking each other than coming up with practical measures which would allow us meet all these spending commitments. It is madness that the whole country is being held to ransom for the sake of such short term party political rivalry.
“Once a generous allowance system is put in place it makes real sense to put in place a charge on the wasteful use of water. We do not want to go back to the old ways where there is no incentive to protect our environment and use our natural resources wisely. Treating water seriously is about looking after our own health and it is vital for the future success of our economy. Using it as a political football for perceived electoral advantage will cost us a lot more in the end.”