Irish Water Remit

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 October 2015

Wednesday, 7 October 2015

Ceisteanna (197)

Shane Ross

Ceist:

197. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will amend the Irish Water Act 2013 to allow Irish Water or the local authority to accept responsibility for all sewage mains and infrastructure, that is manholes and interchanges, including those running through non-public property, where these networks were historically maintained by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34938/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. Irish Water is responsible for water services infrastructure including water supply pipes or sewers extending from a waterworks or waste water works to the curtilage of a private property. Under sections 43 and 54 of the Water Services Act 2007, responsibility for maintenance and replacement of any water or wastewater pipes, connections or distribution systems which are located within the boundary of their property rests with the owner. There are no plans to amend the 2007 Act to provide that Irish Water become responsible for the maintenance of pipes on private property.