asked the Minister for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to strengthen the powers of local authorities in relation to wayleave to facilitate the water supply to Dublin city and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Water Supply.
16.
My Department are at present reviewing the existing legislation governing the acquisition of wayleaves for public water and sewerage schemes in the light of the relevant experience of a number of local authorities including Dublin Corporation and Dublin County Council. Pending the finalisation of this review, I do not wish to anticipate whether or not I will propose amending legislation in the matter.
Will the Minister agree that, due to the delay in the granting of wayleave permission and to the lack of power of the Dublin Corporation to get this permission, there is likely to be a very serious water shortage in Dublin during the summer?
I agree with the Deputy that this is a possibility. We are examining the matter. The main reason for the delay with regard to wayleaves has been the fact that the local authority were not allowed to enter the lands without compensation having been agreed and paid. Another main reason was the fact that the landowner did not have to object until the local council arrived on the scene to enter the lands. In other words, there was no time limit in regard to the objection period. These are two very important factors which caused or tended to cause delays. We are examining the situation.
Does the Minister not agree that this delay is due entirely to the inadequacy of the powers of local authorities? I understand that the powers of the local authorities to acquire wayleaves are controlled by the Public Health Act, 1878, which is now out of date. In view of that, would the Minister not consider introducing legislation to deal with the matter?
We are examining the situation and we intend to do something about it.
Is the Minister aware that despite an abundance of water in the reservoirs around Dublin—much more than is necessary—Dublin City Council and, I think, the County Council are seriously considering some form of rationing or cutting off of supplies during the summer and fears have been expressed that this may lead to disease being caused in some cases?
I am not aware of the question of rationing but I appreciate that the existing powers can create problems of delay. I intend to deal with that. We are having the legal implications reviewed as quickly as possible with that in mind.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I should like to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.