The Green Party has welcomed the completion of a new fresh water supply pipeline from Wicklow's Roundwood reservoir. Green Party Dublin MEP Candidate Cllr Ciarán Cuffe attended the opening and congratulated Irish Water for the completion of the works on time and on budget. Speaking after attending today's opening of the new pipeline he said:"Today's opening is an important step in safeguarding the security of Dublin's water supply. However Minister Eoghan Murphy TD must now focus his efforts on water conservation and water harvesting."Climate change threatens Dublin's water supply as summer droughts reduce rainfall. In addition algae growth at the Roundwood water works; aging filter beds; and the need to maintain water levels in the Vartry River place pressure on Dublin's supply of fresh water."There is a clear need for Government to follow the need of other countries and introduce bylaws that mandate water harvesting at home for flushing toilets, and that ensure low-flow taps are fitted in new buildings. Minister Eoghan Murphy TD should provide support for water harvesting and water use reduction in Dublin city and region."As the Government contemplates spending €1,200 million on a new water pipeline to the River Shannon to provide for Dublin's future water needs it should prioritise water harvesting and water conservation to reduce the need for new supplies. Pumping water from Lough Derg to Dublin will cost more than €10m annually, and may breach the European Union's Water Framework Directive. High energy costs for pumping will also threaten our climate mitigation targets."More effort needs to be spent on tackling leaks and working with households and businesses to reduce the amount of water that we need in future years.”Issued 4th February 2019, updated 5th February 2019