Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014
479. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Irish Water has assumed responsibility for the culverted Swan River in Dublin; and if not, if his Department or the Office of Public Works will be funding remedial works on same; the body responsible for ensuring it does not flood residential areas of Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19215/14]
View answerThe Rathmines & Pembroke Sewerage Scheme was included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013, as a scheme to advance through the planning stage. The Swan River lies within the catchment area of the Rathmines and Pembroke Scheme. In May 2013 my Department approved Dublin City Council’s Brief for Engagement of Consultants to finalise the Preliminary Report for the scheme. Responsibility for any works arising from the Preliminary Report can only be decided when the nature of the report's recommendations are known.
Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water is 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 Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013. The further progression of all water services capital projects, including the preparation of the Preliminary Report for the Rathmines and Pembroke Sewerage Scheme, is now a matter for Irish Water.
Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that it has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via an email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
