A letter to James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has been issued by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) on behalf of the group of unions representing workers in public water services, seeking a meeting to discuss a referendum on public ownership of water. 

The letter reminds the minister of commitments made by the previous holder of the local government portfolio, Darragh O’Brien TD, now Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, and Minister for Transport. 

The previous minister agreed to bring forward proposals for the holding of a constitutional referendum to protect public water services from privatisation but failed to fulfil his commitment. 

Fórsa national secretary Richy Carrothers signaled his intent to hold ruling parties to agreements made under the previous government, of which they were also members. He said, “As far as we are concerned commitments made do not disappear after an election.” 

Richy continued:“It’s not only our members who are concerned about water services remaining in public ownership. Should privatisation happen, the bills will come, and the over 100,000 people who took to the streets and stopped the introduction of water charges the first time will want to know what’s changed.” 

Richy pointed to the UK’s experience of water privatisation which resulted in “higher costs and poorer services for the public.” He said “Irish people know we need to protect our water services. We can see what happens when they’re privatised. Holding a referendum is how we will protect access to water for future generations.” 

The letter to Minister Browne can be read here. 

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