Over 30 TDs and 40 councillors have signed the SIPTU/TEEU Water Guarantee which commits politicians to a constitutional referendum to keep water services in public ownership.

TDs from the Labour Party, Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil, the Social Democrats, Anti-Austerity Alliance, People Before Profit aliance and Independents group have all publicly signed the Water Guarantee. More are expected to sign up in the coming days.

SIPTU Public Administration and Community Divisional Organiser, John King, said: “This campaign seeks to build cross party support for a referendum that will ensure that the State shall be solely responsible for the direct provision, including transmission, treatment, management and operation, of the public water supply.

“The Guarantee also commits signatories to working for the re-designation of Irish Water from a commercial semi-state to a non-commercial state agency. This will help ensure that water services continue to be provided for the public good and are maintained by directly employed public servants.”

The Water Guarantee was launched on Tuesday (19^th January) at a protest by local authority water workers outside Leinster House, Dublin.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Brendan O’Brien, said: “The Water Guarantee is part of a wider trade union campaign against the creeping privatisation of our water services. Water workers are committed to the provision of this public service and will do everything they can to protect it from the threat of privatisation.”

To view the names of the elected representatives who have signed the SIPTU/TEEU Water Guarantee click HERE

SEE LIBERTY VIEW