Government will address water concerns – Kelly
Issued : Wednesday 22 October, 2014
Minister for Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan Kelly, has today met with the chief executive of Ervia Michael McNicholas and Managing Director of Irish Water, John Tierney. Also in the meeting were Elizabeth Arnett, Head of Communications and Corporate Services Irish Water, and Anna Pringle Ervia Director of Corporate Affairs.
As the Minister told the Dail last night, the Government recognises and accepts that the timelines associated with the establishment of Irish Water have created very significant challenges for both the Government and Irish Water, and these need to be addressed.
Kelly said: “I would describe the meeting as constructive, detailed and productive. All sides recognise there are issues for both Ervia & Irish Water and for the Government to consider.
“It was recognised that there are many legitimate concerns surrounding the creation of Irish Water. The scale of creating one of the largest utilities in the history of the state is on a par with rural electrification in the 1920s and 1930s, and has been very ambitious.
“I have asked both organisations for a renewed emphasis on their customer and stakeholder communications. There has to be a seismic shift in how they interface with the public. Clarity and certainty has to be given to members of the public around the level of the charges they will be paying and related matters. The coming together of the boards of Irish Water and Ervia presents an opportunity for a fresh look at all aspects of both organisations.
“As a Government, we will be identifying the best people with the right experience to take a place on the new board. Our water system is not fit for purpose. Just ask some of the people of Roscommon who will only be able to drink their water for the first time in twelve years at the end of this year. I want to increase investment in water infrastructure by an average of €100million each year in the coming years, but I accept that there are serious challenges and concerns and Government will address them.”
