Water and Sewerage Schemes Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Questions (541)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

541. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the person responsible for the continued maintenance and upkeep of the many mechanical sewerage treatment plants abandoned by developers who have gone out of business; his views on the serious health risk to residents of these affected estates throughout the State; if he will indicate if responsibility lies with the city or county councils or with Irish Water-Uisce Éireann. [29752/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

My Department has no responsibility for, or role in, the day to day management, maintenance or operation of water or waste water infrastructure. However, it is aware of issues with some water services infrastructure provided by developers and which is not connected to the public network. My Department is currently considering what long-term solutions might be appropriate in such cases. The Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities continue to have statutory responsibility for the investigation of environmental pollution.