Fine Gael Says Water Shortage 'Predictable'

The main opposition party has today claimed the ongoing water shortages around the state were "predictable".

As the bad weather continues to disrupt water and electricity supplies around the country, along with air and road travel the Minister for the Environment John Gormley said the demand for water across the country has decreased despite supply remaining very low.

Sub-zero temperatures are also forecast for tonight.

Fine Gael's Phil Hogan is now rubbing salt into the wounds saying the latest water shortage crisis was entirely predictable given the "shambolic state of the country's water network".

"Fine Gael has repeatedly highlighted the shambolic and chaotic nature of Ireland's drinking water system. The network is in such a poor state that homes and businesses regularly have their supply cut off at the first sign of trouble.

"The state of Ireland's water infrastructure is a direct reflection on the Government that is supposed to manage it: fragmented, badly planned and falling apart.

"We have a crazy system in which 34 local authorities are responsible for investing in and maintaining their own areas, working largely in isolation from each other."

Despite the opposition's foresight, Mr Gormley said that conservation remained the key issue and he could not overstate the need for the public not to run their taps.

He told this morning's Government's emergency co-ordination meeting that the demand in the greater Dublin area had reduced by 80 million litres over the past few days, but demand still remains too high.

He said that 1,500 consumers remain without water in Cork City, with other parts of the country experiencing similar difficulties.

(DW/BMcC)