Sir, – There should not be the slightest doubt that Ireland needs a national water authority. The disparities and inefficiencies that arise due to a plethora of localised water departments would result in highly variable standards of water supply and disposal across Ireland, as in the past. That is not a proper basis for the new, cross-country pipeline currently being designed to offset the serious water deficit predicted for the greater Dublin region. To have an adequate and cost-efficient water utility, the country requires a planned and co-ordinated water management system staffed by the most experienced and technically competent personnel it can get. This is precisely the same approach that we have for the supply of electricity. How we pay for it is a separate issue. – Yours, etc,
RICK BOELENS,
Portroe,
Co Tipperary.