Sinn Féin Environment spokesperson Brian Stanley has said a lack of investment in the water system is the real cause of water shortages in Dublin last week and only proper investment can prevent a repeat of this problem in the future.

Deputy Stanley said Minister Hogan's claim that the crisis was compounded by a lack of effective communication from Dublin City Council is simply deflecting from the real problem.

Deputy Stanley said: "It is not credible that the focus is placed on the process of communicating with residents. The focus should be firmly situated on delivering what is needed to ensure that these shortages do not become a regular feature of life in Dublin.

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"Of course we can always have better communication but let's not fall into the trap of just accepting that these shortages will be a recurring issue. It is an insult to the thousands of people who have had to endure water shortages since last week. The communication won't put water in the taps.

"It's the very same line that Fianna Fáil used when it was ruining our economy.

"The reality is that a lack of investment in our water system caused the water shortages and only proper investment can prevent a repeat of the problem in the future. This government should stop wasting money on domestic water meters and invest in our public water sector."

(CD/JP)