Local Authority Assets

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2015

Tuesday, 28 April 2015

Ceisteanna (435)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

435. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the fact that he expects to provide for the statutory transfer of as many assets as possible from local authorities to Irish Water by way of a series of orders in 2015, if he will outline the category of assets that may not be transferred this year, and whether the Central Statistics Office and EUROSTAT have been advised that this process will not be completed this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16692/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides for the transfer, by Ministerial Order, of the property of a water services authority to Irish Water. A number of such Orders have already taken effect this year to transfer all below ground assets, financial assets and almost 240 treatment plants.

Considerable work is involved in preparing supporting material for the transfer of over-ground assets from local authorities to ensure that the Orders reflect the precise nature and boundary of the assets to be transferred. The remaining Orders required will be completed as soon as possible. No decision has been taken that any assets or class of assets will not transfer in the current year.

Since the transfer of responsibilities for water services from local authorities to Irish Water, all water services assets have been under the control of Irish Water. Water Services assets will be removed from the financial statements of local authorities in respect of 2014 and will be included in the financial statements of Irish Water. My Department has informed the Central Statistics Office accordingly.