Irish Examiner view: Incidents underline urgency on water pollution

A precautionary audit of 20 of Ireland's facilities are among the responses  under consideration after an incident in Wexford led to 52 confirmed illnesses

While Irish Water accepts it is ultimately accountable for the breakdown at Gorey, it reiterates that it needs control and oversight to prevent such occurrences. File picture

There is a memorable scene in The Godfather where Vito Corleone’s right-hand man, his consigliere, sets out the Don’s preference for receiving unwelcome information. Mr Corleone, he tells a rival, “is a man who insists on hearing bad news immediately”.

Perhaps a free copy of Mario Puzo’s bestseller should be provided to everyone at Irish Water, local authorities, and any other agency involved in the lapses of communication concerning unsafe water leaving treatment plants last month.