Water Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2016

Wednesday, 6 April 2016

Ceisteanna (768)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

768. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the ongoing work in his Department to deal with the problem of residents who live in an end-of-terrace home where the private sewage line for a group of houses ends and such residents are continually faced with the problem and expense of having blockages in the line dealt with; if he is aware of the considerable burden the lack of legislation in this area places upon such persons, including the tensions this causes between neighbours, and the frequent public health risks that arise; the grants that are available to residents to deal with such expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6053/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. 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 a private property rests with the owner. This was the position that pertained prior to the establishment of Irish Water when individual local authorities held responsibility for public water services and infrastructure.

While the legal position is set out in the 2007 Act, my Department will be engaging with Irish Water to set out clearly the responsibilities of Irish Water and property owners in relation to water supply and wastewater infrastructure.