Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen TD has responded to news this morning that Irish Water is to be given another €39 million by the Government in order to get rid of 1,100 staff currently working on the delivery of services across the country.
Deputy Cowen commented, “This morning’s news is the latest chapter in the story of Irish Water spending money on everything other than improving the quality of the service going to people’s homes. People who understand the network and are delivering a local service in communities across the country are being given €39 million to go away. As sure as night follows day, the next step will be to hire external consultants to replace the departing knowledge.
“From day one, the Government has put the cart before the horse in demolishing the existing structure and building a bonus-driven gold plated Quango. The priority has been the imposition of charges and the creation of a private sector-style organisation to collect them. Through all this, investment in better quality drinking water and wastewater takes a back seat.
“Today’s story also nails the exaggerated claims by Government supporters that Irish Water was going to create thousands of jobs. It is creating a small number of jobs for highly paid managers and consultants, but the people who actually deliver the service are being let go.”
