Collins slams €100,000 pay hike for Uisce Éireann boss as ‘a kick in the teeth’

Collins slams €100,000 pay hike for Uisce Éireann boss as ‘a kick in the teeth’

Independent Ireland Leader TD Michael Collins has described the reported €100,000 salary increase for the chief executive of Uisce Éireann as “a kick in the teeth to people right across the country who are living with failing water infrastructure every single day”.

Deputy Collins said the decision was particularly galling given that the Dáil debated a motion only weeks ago calling for greater accountability and transparency within Uisce Éireann.

“Our motion in the Dáil a couple of weeks ago was about one thing and one thing only — accountability in Uisce Éireann,” he said.

“So what message does this send? That failure, lack of accountability and a failure to deliver for the public should be rewarded. It is a disgrace.”

Deputy Collins said the pay increase showed how far removed senior management and Government are from the daily reality faced by households, farmers, and businesses dealing with boil water notices, burst mains, poor water pressure, and sewage discharges.

“At a time when families cannot get straight answers from Uisce Éireann, when communities are ringing day after day looking for basic information about their water supply, this decision is an affront,” he said.

“I deal constantly with constituents who are frustrated, angry and exhausted by the lack of communication and the lack of responsibility taken when things go wrong.”

He also criticised the Government for allowing the increase to proceed.

“The Minister cannot wash his hands of this. Uisce Éireann is a State body and the Government is ultimately responsible. You cannot lecture people about conservation, accept environmental damage, and tolerate ongoing service failures while quietly signing off on six-figure pay rises at the top.”

Deputy Collins said public confidence in the utility was being badly undermined.

“People are being asked to accept crumbling infrastructure as normal, while those at the very top are rewarded. That is not how a public service should operate.”

He called for the decision to be reversed and for a renewed focus on accountability and delivery.

“Before any more bonuses or pay rises are discussed, the priority must be fixing leaks, protecting water quality and answering to the public. Until Uisce Éireann is held properly accountable, decisions like this will only deepen public anger.”