FINE GAEL backbenchers in rural constituencies this weekend expressed sympathy for their constituents' objections to charges for group water schemes.
"People in Dublin and areas like that don't understand the trouble and difficulty involved in running a group scheme," said Mr Michael Ring, a Fine Gael TD in Mayo. "You have voluntary people bringing in water when the Government should be doing it.
"That is the obligation of the Government but successive governments have failed to bring in the necessary regional schemes. It's a basic right to have water. It's a matter for the State. The State is already providing it for people in urban areas but people in rural areas are penalised."
Mr Ring's constituency has 200-300 group water schemes. "I'm not happy with the situation as it is now and I'm hoping that the Government can bring in the necessary changes to address the imbalance."
Mr Paddy Harte, Fine Gael TD in Donegal North East, said the issue of the group schemes had to be addressed but it had been blown out of proportion. "It's a factor in the abolition of water charges which has to be addressed but it's not insurmountable. It is wrong that people in group schemes would have to pay money which is tantamount to water charges while other people get water free from county councils. Fairness has to be the rule of law."
Fine Gael TDs in other rural constituencies significantly affected by the controversy were generally more reluctant to give their views on the issue yesterday.
"The situation is that there is ongoing discussion at Government level and I intend to use that system to solve any problems that are there," said Mr Seymour Crawford, a Fine Gael TD in Cavan Monaghan.
The Clare Fine Gael TD and Minister of State, Mr Donal Carey, said he supported Government policy. "The Government is looking at the issue and whatever the Government decides I support," he said.
. The Green Party has accused the Government of lacking the stomach to deal with the water issue. The party's environment spokesman, Mr Gerry Boland, said: "Minister Howlin would have us believe that water comes from a never ending eternally renewable source. Nothing could be further from the truth. Throughout these islands, water levels are falling and sooner or later consumers will have to pay for the water they use.