Ownership of Irish Water: Support bill to save water for everyone

THE 1916 centenary celebrations allowed us express pride in what has been achieved in this small Republic. 

Our independence was secured at some cost and at a moment when the world was reeling from the catastrophe of the First World War. In Ireland, resources were scarce. Possibility was limited for decades. Yet, over time, the basic requirements needed to support a modernising society were established. In virtually every instance this development was driven by semi-state companies proud to help build a new society. The model served us well. It may be necessary to remind ourselves these enterprises were active patriotism — a judgement that stands, even if abuses by monopolies are recalled.

During the last Dáil one of the greatest failures in public administration since we achieved independence unfolded. Efforts to establish Irish Water as a semi-state company were undermined by almost scandalous political incompetence, dreadful planning, and even poorer communications. The proposal — a perfectly good one — became the focus of protests driven as much by anger with establishment politics as anything else. Water became a touchpaper for the fury built up around economic collapse. In more recent times the issue has been exploited by Fianna Fáil in one of the most shameless examples of opportunism seen in Irish politics.