THE GOVERNMENT is hastening very slowly as it puts structures in place for the protection of a valuable natural resource and the introduction of water charges. The latest update from Minister for the Environment John Gormley suggests that bills for private water consumption are unlikely to be issued to householders before 2012. The timing is hardly coincidental. A general election will probably be held before the new charges fall due.
Ireland is one of the few developed countries where water is provided free of charge to households. It was not always so. But the flat-rated local authority charge was so unpopular it was abolished in 1997. Now, with global warming posing a risk to traditional rainfall patterns; a growing urban population and rising water treatment and distribution costs, the Government has bowed to economic reality and to EU pressure. It has announced that a metered system, with a free household allocation before charging commences, will be introduced.
The Green Party has led the way on this, securing Fianna Fáil’s lukewarm agreement to the initiative in last year’s revised programme for government. Political courage has been in short supply, in spite of advice from environment and planning agencies that such charges are necessary in order to control costs and limit waste. Opposition to water charges has come from the Labour Party, Sinn Féin and the Socialist Party, while Fine Gael has indicated it will make its views known after the election. This kind of jockeying for short-term political advantage has a corrosive effect on civic responsibility.
By 2030, Ireland may have a population of eight million people and long-term investment and planning is required. The inadequacy of our basic infrastructure became apparent last winter when extensive flooding was followed by snow and severe frosts. Homes were damaged. Roads closed. Burst water mains and trickling household taps – to prevent pipes freezing – nearly emptied reservoirs. Extreme weather showcased our ineptitude and past planning failures.
A three-year Water Services Investment Programme, published yesterday by John Gormley, represents the very minimum required. Investments in 340 contracts across the State, amounting to €1.8 billion, are expected to support 4,000 jobs. Some €320 million will be devoted to replacing antiquated water mains that – depending on location – lose between 16 and 58 per cent of valuable, treated water. The introduction of meters could reduce household consumption by a further 16 per cent. Because local authorities will benefit from these charges, they are expected to carry the installation costs.
Mr Gormley has indicated that 6,000 jobs could be created, beginning next year. Local jobs may help to sugar the pill. But selling the project to the average householder will require political courage and a determined effort. Publication of a White Paper on local government reform, due next month, is expected to set the scheme in context. It has, however, taken EU prodding and a threat of harsh financial sanctions to get us to this point.