MEDIA RELEASE 1 September, 2013

New IRC Director calls for renewed collective action to tackle failures in provision of water and sanitation services for world’s poorest at Stockholm World Water Week 2013

Only collective action can deliver services that last

The global think and do tank IRC has announced the appointment of Dr. Patrick Moriarty as its new Director at the Stockholm World Water Week conference. Dr. Patrick Moriarty has pioneered the IRC’s research and development work on building sustainable services that seeks to provide a credible alternative to piecemeal aid projects. Dr. Patrick Moriarty has been leading the US$ 22 million transformation programme Triple-S that has been working with Ghanaian and Ugandan partners on how this can be delivered.

In appointing the new Director, IRC is sending an unequivocal message about its commitment to promote sustainable service delivery and confront the failures of building isolated, unsustainable projects that have typified too many aid and development approaches. In his work Dr Moriarty has promoted a belief in collective action with government to embed a ‘whole-systems approach’ – where all aspects of running a service are taken into account, including how to sustain its life cost not just capital expenditure.

Speaking on his appointment Dr Patrick Moriarty said:

“We must encourage collective action to tackle head-on the unacceptable failures of the status quo for the world’s poorest people. This is an exciting time for IRC. We have a growing set of resources, like the WASHCost calculator , to promote a service-based approach and a determination to foster new partnerships to achieve this. I look forward to working with colleagues in the WASH sector and beyond to make this happen.’’

Announcing Dr Patrick Moriarty’s appointment Hans van Dord, IRC Board Chairman noted that:

“Patrick brings considerable expertise, knowledge and determination in making an impact that lasts. I cannot think of a better person to embody the vision and relevance of IRC’s role in the world.’’

Noting the appointment, Ned Breslin, CEO – Water for People commented:

‘’this is exactly what IRC and the WASH sector needs – a man who walks the talk. He is steeped in the best community development practice, is evidence-based and has pioneered vital work in the development of sustainable WASH services. Smart move IRC and great news for the sector.’’

Dr Patrick Moriarty starts his job on 1 September 2013.

At the Stockholm World Water Week 2013, Dr Moriarty will discuss IRC’s heightened focus on WASH innovations and solutions to achieve large-scale impact and explore examples of IRC’s work such as WASHCost and IRC’s engagement in the global movement Everyone Forever initiated by Water for People.

For further information on IRC or to schedule interviews with an IRC expert, contact Vera van der Grift at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at +31(0)70 304 4069.

Visit our website at www.irc.nl/ .

Find the editor’s note for this media release at www.irc.nl/page/80886