Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Water Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 November 2014

Tuesday, 11 November 2014

Ceisteanna (500)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

500. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way in which the voluntary committees that look after group water schemes may apply to have their schemes taken in charge. [42930/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides for the transfer of water services functions from the 34 water services authorities to Irish Water. Under the legislation, Irish Water now has the powers previously held by local authorities in relation to the takeover of Group Water Schemes and this means that Irish Water may acquire by agreement a waterworks or waste water works, but subject generally to not fewer than two thirds of those entitled to dispose of it (typically the members of a group water scheme) giving their consent.

It is open, therefore, for group water schemes to contact Irish Water if they wish to have their schemes considered for take over.

Separately my Department provides some limited funding under its Rural Water Programme to bring quality deficient group water schemes up to a standard where Irish Water can take them over. As responsibility for the administration of this programme has been devolved to the local authorities, group schemes which may come under this heading can contact their local authority for advice on the matter.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 578 578.

Barr
Roinn