Written Answers Nos. 451-469
457. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason behind appointing Bord Gáis as the State agency in which to embed Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2718/14]
View answerThe Government decided in December 2011, based on the recommendations in an independent assessment, to establish a public water utility company to take over the operational and capital delivery functions of local authorities in the water services area. The Government also decided that the question of whether the role of Irish Water should be assigned to an existing State Agency merited further analysis with a view to ensuring that existing resources and capabilities in the State sector were used to best effect.
This further analysis was undertaken by a team comprising my Department and NewERA, in consultation with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The process involved an assessment of the capacity and capabilities of a number of State agencies from amongst those identified in the independent assessment as having the potential to incorporate a new water utility. The process involved the making of detailed submissions and presentations by Bord na Móna and Bord Gáis Éireann based on identified capabilities required for the establishment and operation of Irish Water.
The outcome of the analysis was that Irish Water should be established as an independent state owned company within the Bord Gáis Group as they had key capabilities which could be brought to bear in the establishment of Irish Water. This included experience in operating as a utility in a regulated environment and a track record in raising finance, and specific skills from its own experience of transformation, customer relations, network management, metering and utility operation that could be quickly deployed to assist in the successful establishment and operation of Irish Water. The decision reflected an understanding that specific water and wastewater capabilities and expertise in local government and the Department would also be brought to bear in building the new organisation.
458. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has held any discussion with Irish Water on the use of freedom of information legislation; if issues of commercial sensitivity were raised with it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2719/14]
View answerThe Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigns the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake the metering programme. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides for the transfer of responsibility for the delivery of water services from the water services authorities to Irish Water. The Act also provides for the establishment of an economic regulator for water services within the Commission for Energy Regulation.
The extension of the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act to include Irish Water is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. In April 2013, there was correspondence between Bord Gais Éireann and my Department regarding how Freedom of Information legislation might apply to Irish Water. This correspondence arose in the context of the preparation by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform of a Memorandum for Government regarding the Freedom of Information Bill 2013. The question of applying Freedom of Information legislation to a commercial semi-state company was raised in this correspondence and my Department communicated this to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
466. Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Kildare County Council has concluded its assessment of tenders for the Oberstown wastewater treatment plant upgrade; and if so when will the contract be awarded. [2754/14]
View answerThe Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme (Oberstown Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Contract) was included in my Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013 and in June 2013 I approved Kildare County Council’s proposal to allow the contract to proceed to tender. However, prior to the transfer of responsibility for the delivery of water services capital infrastructure to Irish Water on 1 January 2014, Kildare County Council had not advised my Department that the tender process was completed nor sought funding approval to allow the contract to be awarded.
Irish Water is now responsible for the delivery of water services capital infrastructure. It is currently preparing a Capital Investment Plan for 2014 – 2016 that will provide for the transition of projects included in the 2010 - 2013 Water Services Investment Programme.
467. Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Environmental Protection Agency has reported to him following the consultation process on the Kerdiffstown landfill remediation project remedial options report; and if so when will he bring proposals to Government. [2755/14]
View answerThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently managing the Kerdiffstown landfill site, including works such as leachate and odour management. My Department continues to fund this work and will provide support for the ongoing remediation of the site again in 2014. The EPA signed a contract on 27 February 2013 for the provision of site management services and for the development of an options report for the future remediation of the site. This Kerdiffstown Landfill Remediation Project Remedial Options Report, which is vital to ensuring that the best technical, environmental and most cost-effective solution for the site is chosen, was finalised in July. The EPA then carried out a consultation process on the report with the local community and elected representatives. Following examination of the report options and feedback from the consultation process, the EPA has very recently written to my Department with advice on its recommended course of action.
Taking cognisance of this advice, I will shortly bring a recommended course of action to Government for approval.
468. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council will hear the results of its foreshore applications for the slipway at Dalkey Island and the baths site in Dun Laoghaire. [2764/14]
View answerForeshore consent applications are processed strictly in accordance with a prioritisation framework focusing on major infrastructural projects e.g. local authority wastewater treatment plants and offshore energy applications. Both projects referred to fall within the lowest priority level. The current position on these applications is set out below.
The public and statutory consultation phases on both applications are nearing conclusion. The next phase of the process involves an assessment of the potential environmental impact of the proposals, taking account of submissions received and the applicant’s response to any issues raised. These assessments will be carried out by the scientific and technical advisors of the Marine Licence Vetting Committee. That Committee’s recommendations, together with the recommendations of my Department, will inform my ultimate determination of the applications.
