Irish Water Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2015

Tuesday, 9 June 2015

Questions (1078, 1079)

Barry Cowen

Question:

1078. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the legislation underpinning the Irish Water pipe maintenance responsibility graphics (details supplied), which indicate that drains outside of the property boundary of a home are the responsibility of the residents connected to that drain; if he will confirm that this is the case for drains running under public roads and pathways, and that should any such drain block or collapse, it is the responsibility of the property owners to make such repairs to drains under public roads and pathways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22207/15]

Barry Cowen

Question:

1079. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason information service responsibility of environmental health officers was not amended during the legislative process to introduce Irish Water, and in view of the charge for waste water services; the reason Irish Water is responsible for the water mains under the public path entering the property, but not the drains under the public path leaving the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22211/15]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1078 and 1079 together.

The Water Services Act 2007 provides that the property owner is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of any water or wastewater pipes, connections or distribution systems which are connected within the boundary of their property. Responsibility for the repair of pipes under publicly owned roadways and pathways is a matter for Irish Water.

If the Deputy wishes to provide clarification in relation to the EHO issue referred to, I will consider the matter.