Madam, – In November we had too much water, and the Government didn’t know what to do.
Now we have no water – and they still don’t know what to do. They blame the populace for running taps, instead of owning up to years of underinvestment in our water network and poor planning controls on cobbled-together housing estates.
It’s high time they they showed some respect for the country and resigned. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I hope the Government will help householders to conserve water supplies by issuing guidelines.
These might include instructions to lag all pipes in attics with up-to-date material. This alone would lower the risk of frozen pipes.
Reducing the use of power-showers and taking shorter showers; not using dishwashers; and the efficient use of washing machines (ie full loads only) would all help. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – The petulant comments and public hand-washing of Ministers is an affront to the people, but especially those stranded without water or access roads.
Ministers are not expected to apply their own over-washed hands to gritting roads or repairing water pipes. However, when they accepted office, they accepted responsibility to ensure that essential services are maintained.
Anyone competent to sit on the national emergency committee should understand that a timely response is necessary.
Some steps could be taken from the comfort of warm offices.
First, announce an emergency increase in fuel allowances to the poor, who may be afraid to run up heating bills they cannot afford. Taxpayers could heat several homes for the cost of treating extra cases of cold-induced illnesses in overcrowded hospitals.
Second, clear up the public liability issue that is discouraging people from clearing footpaths. You could at least get this matter sorted by next winter.
The recent performance of ministers must have Fianna Fáil’s public relations office regretting the fact that “party whip” is only a metaphor. It’s time to put into practice the words of Brian Lennihan: “put the country first” by doing what anyone fortunate to be employed is doing – “Do your job”. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Is it only in Ireland that there could be flooding and a water shortage at the same time? Dehydratedly yours, etc,