I do not think the model that we currently see with Uisce Éireann, previously Irish Water, is an accident. I think it is by design, given the way that public representatives are treated by that organisation, created by this Government. When I send the Government a parliamentary question, it is ruled out of order because it is a matter for Uisce Éireann. The way it treats public representatives is outrageous. I will give the example of my home area of Buncrana in recent weeks. There was a water supply issue that knocked out the water connection for most of the town. I cannot get to speak to an actual human being to get an update. I have to send an email and wait days for a response. In recent days, there was a boil water notice for most of my town. There are clearly serious problems with the Uisce Éireann infrastructure in my area. I cannot get speaking to a damn human being. I cannot get answers for my constituents nor can the local councillors. I have to send an email. This is outrageous. When something happened many years ago, I would lift the phone and talk to an employee of Donegal County Council. We would have a good conversation and I could get a proper update of where things stood. The Minister has been a public representative for a long time. This has to stop. We need proper accountability and answers for our constituents about what is going on. We have the Eddie Fullerton Dam. I am really proud of it. My predecessor Councillor Eddie Fullerton fought for it. It is a fantastic resource with water for our people. It passes through my town. The water is disconnected and there is a boil water notice when we could be using that water. I cannot get answers to all of these questions from Uisce Éireann. This organisation is not fit for purpose. I believe that is by design rather than by accident. It has to stop and the Minister needs to change it.

Sentiment score: -0.06