We have to face our water challenge

ONE of the many critical challenges facing the country in the immediate future is the shortage of water, especially in Dublin and other major urban areas.

Like everything else at present, it’s inevitable that, sooner rather than later, people will have to pay upfront for their domestic water supplies.

Charging householders for water will be a political hot potato but given the high cost of producing treated water, a government desperately trying to balance its books can rule nothing out.