Land and water are – figuratively and indeed literally – the bedrock of human prosperity. Indeed, for almost all of human existence, of the two, it was fresh water that was the most important scarce resource that gave sustenance, security and wealth. In some of the poorest places on earth today, access to water remains the single most important determinant of well-being. Having water from a tap that is drinkable is principally the luxury of the richest countries on earth – and in those countries, people spend their time thinking a lot more about land. Ireland has thought in fits…

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