Neeson attacks water meter announcement as first step towards privatisation

12.50.35pm GMT Fri 28th Jul 2006

Alliance East Antrim Assembly Member, Sean Neeson

Alliance Party Enterprise Spokesperson, Sean Neeson, has denounced Regional Development Minister, David Cairns, plans promoting the installation of water meters in homes in Northern Ireland as the first step on the road towards water privatisation. David Cairns, recently announced that he wanted to see the 'introduction of widespread domestic metering.'

Sean Neeson said: "This announcement signals the first step along the road towards the privatisation of water provision in Northern Ireland. Privatising water in Northern Ireland would have devastating consequences.

"David Cairns is pushing the policy of the widespread installation of meters to prepare the industry for a sellout. This mercenary attitude to one of our essential services is nothing short of disastrous.

"We have only got to look to Britain to see the disastrous result of water privatisation, where water shortage warnings were reported recently.

"The unfair water charges being foisted upon Northern Ireland will bankroll the improvement of infrastructure. This, in effect, means that the people of Northern Ireland will pay for water upgrades to entice private buyers for the service. People in this region are, therefore, going to be forking out large sums of money in water charges, to see the creation of a worse water service in the long run.

"Allliance is totally opposed to water privatisation, as it will lead to a poorer standard of service provision in this area.

"If water provision is privatised, those companies main aim will be to make profits for their fat cat directors. No regard will be shown whatsoever to quality water provision or to the needs of the people of Northern Ireland. Instead of money being ploughed back into improving water infrastructure, the money will go straight into the pockets of water company directors.

The East Antrim Assembly Member concluded: "Water is an essential resource, therefore it must be owned by the public."

ENDS