The EU’s economic and fiscal crisis has overshadowed risks of water shortages and contamination, according to Fine Gael MEP Mairéad McGuinness.
Ms McGuinness will this morning open an international water conference in Dublin. Speakers include former president Mary Robinson and delegates from more than 60 countries are expected to attend. The MEP said there was a need to refocus on the enormous dangers of ignoring risks to water supplies. “Our people have become experts in the world of banking and government deficits . . . Yet when it comes to the understanding of water and its key role, there is a lack of comprehension about the fragility of water supply . . . contamination and the risks to food security of water shortages.”
Dublin was facing acute water shortages in the next 40 to 50 years due to climate change, she said. “We need to address these problems now, by stopping wastage, managing usage and putting a price on water . . .”
