Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 March 2022
48. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to address the issue of legacy debt in rural group water schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17103/22]
View answerI assume that the Question is referring to legacy debt issues where group water schemes are seeking to be taken in charge by Irish Water.
Group water schemes are community-owned and community-run and they remain fully the responsibility of the scheme right up until such time as they are formally taken in charge by Irish Water.
Irish Water and the local authority are actively working to resolve the issues around debt in some schemes and this also requires goodwill and a proactive approach by the schemes involved.
An annual subsidy is available from my Department via the local authorities. This subsidy funds and supports the maintenance and operation costs of schemes providing water for domestic use, thus facilitating their upkeep until they are taken in charge.
