Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2013
364. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Irish Water or relevant local authorities will have the ownership of the combined drainage networks in many towns where these networks lead directly to the sewerage plants which will be operated by Irish Water but will also collect surface water from the public streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13719/13]
View answer366. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the role of Irish Water in relation to surface water drainage schemes in streets in many towns throughout the country when the pipes go directly to the sewerage scheme; the role of Irish Water in dealing with flooding on the public streets when this is caused as a result of blocking in the piping network that links directly to the sewerage plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13721/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 366 together.
The Water Sector Reform Implementation Strategy , which is published on my Department’s website, is focused on ensuring that appropriate policy and legal frameworks are put in place for Irish Water and the water sector. The Implementation Strategy provides clarity on the steps involved in this process and the key milestones and deliverables to be achieved this year.
In the context of broader water governance issues , work is currently being advanced to identify and clarify boundary issues between functions which will transfer to Irish Water and those remaining with local authorities; this work includes determining responsibility for the areas referred to in the questions.
