Vol. 564 No. 1
99 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the promised legislation to allow local authorities to take over sub-standard private water schemes will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8750/03]
At present, a sanitary authority may acquire any private water scheme, whether by agreement or by compulsory purchase, in accordance with the provisions of sections 202 and 203 of the Public Health (Ireland) Act 1878, and section 6 of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1962. The Water Services Bill now in preparation will consolidate and update these provisions, and will include powers to take over the operation and management of a scheme on a temporary basis, while problems with the operation of the scheme are resolved. This alternative approach reflects the developmental role envisaged for sanitary authorities under the proposed Bill, in addition to their supervisory functions.
Drafting of the Bill is at an advanced stage, and it is anticipated that it will be published later this year.
