Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 June 2012
96 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to the setting up of Irish Water, if he is considering a pilot scheme for the roll-out of the transitional phase; and if this will be considered on a regional river basin or local authority basis. [28747/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra97 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to the setting up of Irish Water, if it is anticipated that the management partner can be sourced from skills currently within Ireland. [28748/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra98 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to the setting up of Irish Water, if indigenous businesses will be considered to assist with the implementation of Irish Water. [28749/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 to 98, inclusive, together.
The Government decided in December 2011, based on the recommendations of an independent assessment, to establish a public water utility company, Irish Water, to take over the operational and capital delivery functions of local authorities in the water services area. Following further consideration as to whether Irish Water should be established as a new entity or whether existing bodies in the Semi State sector could undertake the function, the Government decided that Irish Water should be established as an independent state owned company within the Bord Gáis Group.
The proposed public utility model represents a major change with significant implications for local government, the water industry in Ireland and its many stakeholders. Bord Gáis Éireann (BGE) has key capabilities that can be brought to bear in the establishment of Irish Water, and these skills within the Bord Gáis Group will be paired with the experience and commitment to service in local authorities and the specific water and wastewater capabilities and expertise that exist in local government to build the new organisation. A phased transition is proposed to ensure continuity of service and the building of a fit for purpose organisation within a reasonable timescale.
Work is now focused on the finalisation of an implementation strategy which will address transformation planning in more detail, and will recommend appropriate transitional arrangements. The implementation strategy is being developed in collaboration with other relevant Government Departments, local authorities, BGE and NewERA. The development and rollout of the strategy will also involve co-operation with local authorities and staff to ensure that the change is managed well. The strategy will focus on maintaining the delivery of a critical public service during and following a restructuring process, and will give further clarity on the next steps that will be taken in this reform process. While the independent assessment recommended the appointment of a management partner this was in the context of the establishment of a new entity, and was prior to the decision to establish Irish Water within the Bord Gáis Group. It will now be a matter for Bord Gáis to consider the requirements for external advice having regard to the existing skills and capabilities within the Bord Gáis Group, and local authorities and the Department.
It is estimated that the overall water reforms the Government has planned will create 2,000 construction related jobs in the economy on an ongoing basis. This will be achieved through the planned roll-out of the programme of water metering which will lead to the creation of up to 2,000 jobs for the duration of the metering installation programme. A steady level of capital investment of potentially €600 million per annum in water services, facilitated through the new public utility would see this level of construction employment sustained on an ongoing basis through capital investment in new infrastructure.
