The Water Services Act 2007, as amended, sets out clearly the arrangements in place for the delivery of water and wastewater services by Irish Water. In relation to waste water services, this includes responsibility for maintaining infrastructure and drainage pipes from waste water works facilities to the curtilage of a private property.
Under sections 43 and 54 of the Act responsibility for maintenance and replacement of any water or wastewater pipes, connections or distribution systems that are located within the boundary of a private property rests with the owner of the property. 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. There are no proposals under consideration in my Department to review this legislation along the lines suggested.
In terms of addressing blockages in sewers, I understand that Irish Water will clear any blockages that occur on the public side of the public sewer as a matter of urgency, generally within 24 hours of it being reported. However, where the problem is not located in a public sewer, responsibility for private side issues lies with the affected residents. If the issue is causing risk to public health or it affects a vulnerable customer, Irish Water working with the relevant local authority, will assess the situation and seek to find a resolution.
It may be helpful to note that Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
