Public forum on Irish Water met with deluge of tweets

Users of social media have not been shy about voicing what would be their primary concerns were they to be among the members of the public recruited to sit on a new forum on Irish Water.

The Public Water Forum, established by law as an independent consultative body, will comprise 32 members. All told there will be 12 drawn from organisations representing specific interests, and 20 drawn from the general pool of water consumers.

When asked what their primary concern would be if they were to take part in the forum, many Twitter users expressed general disquiet at the manner in which the organisation was set up, and criticism at how it is being run.

However, other people focused on more long-term goals. "To focus on water conservation and to get people to understand that water is not an unlimited resource despite rain and sea," was the view of Joerg Steegmueller who lives in Dublin.

"Repairing leaks and conserving water" would be the focus of Ann Connolly from Newtownbarry, while James Spratt said his first question would be: "How could they make something simple so complicated and hated?"

Kenny Doyle, meanwhile, said fears of privatisation would have to be to the fore.

Negative perceptions

The forum will hope to address some of the negative perceptions of the company. It is to be chaired by Dr

Tom Collins

, who is chair of the governing body of DIT and also of IT Blanchardstown.

A spokesman for the Commission for Energy Regulation, which sets the prices Irish Water can charge and has overall responsibility for the regulation of public water services, said the forum would be a "vital component" in the development of the sector.

Dr Collins said the forum would be a place where different views could be aired and listened to with respect.

Information on how to apply for a place on the forum can be found at cer.ie