People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy says that Irish Water and the Government should focus on fixing leaks rather than telling people to reduce water usage if there is a water shortage in the coming months.
This comes after Irish Water said it predicts that there will be a shortage during Summer.
Deputy Murphy said: “While we agree that it is a good idea for people to conserve water, today’s call from Irish Water for people to conserve water as they predict water shortages over the coming summer months cynically misses the point that 49% of our water leaks out of the pipes before it reaches people’s homes.
“In this country we still have an antiquated water system which is wasteful beyond belief. Why the government and Irish Water have not addressed these legacy issues, which we have known about for years, is beyond me.
“Instead, they are very quick to put the emphasis on individual responsibility rather than, in the first instance, put the investment that is needed into our water infrastructure and provide for a referendum to ensure water remains in public ownership.”
Tom Cuddy, Irish Water’s head of asset operations, said the utility was working with local authorities “to ensure everyone enjoys a reliable water supply during the busy summer period and beyond.”
However, he said that water supplies can remain consistent if there are efforts to reduce usage.
“Conserving water is something that we should be doing year round, not just when supplies come under pressure due to drought conditions and seasonal increases in demand,” he said.