Irish Water Remit

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2014

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Questions (92)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

92. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the legislative basis for Irish Water to proceed with works upon water infrastructure where engineers encounter ransom strips which prevent access to such infrastructure; if Irish Water may be empowered to make compulsory purchase orders in such scenarios; if he will list each instance where such difficulties have occurred to date; the way each issue was or is intended to be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25479/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Water Services (No. 2) Act provided for the transfer of responsibility for public water services from the local authorities to Irish Water. Section 7 of the Act provides for the transfer of functions conferred on the local authorities by the Water Services Act 2007 to Irish Water, insofar as those functions relate to public water services. Accordingly, Irish Water has the necessary powers to access water services infrastructure, for example, to carry out inspections or repairs.

Where it is necessary for Irish Water to acquire land, the Water Services Act 2007 provides that Irish Water is entitled to acquire land for the purpose of performing its functions. When exercising the power to acquire land, Irish Water must act in accordance with section 182 and Part XIV of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as they apply to a local authority.