The Fianna Fáil Leaders on the four local authorities in Dublin are calling on the Environment Minister Phil Hogan to meet with a cross-party delegation of local authority members in Dublin to discuss the ongoing water crisis.

Dublin City Councillor Mary Fitzpatrick has requested immediate intervention from the Minister amid concerns that that the severe water restrictions in the greater Dublin area could extend well into next week.

Speaking following a meeting with the Dublin City Manager, Cllr Fitzpatrick said: "There are real concerns now that these restrictions will go beyond Monday. Other major cities like London have 10-20% spare capacity in their water system to cover periods of water shortages. Dublin only has 1% spare capacity. That means there is absolutely no room for error. When the current crisis is resolved, there are still fundamental problems with the city’s water infrastructure and the Minister has not explained how this will be addressed.

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"It is only 6 months since Dublin’s water services were last subjected to severe restrictions. This will continue to happen time and time again, disrupting businesses and families right across the capital unless the Government and Irish Water get their priorities right. So far the entire focus has been on charging people for their water, without first ensuring that the water infrastructure is fit for purpose."

(CD/MH)