Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2022
169. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will assist residents in an estate (details supplied) with a water issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47795/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand from the local authority, in this case Limerick County Council, that the matter raised in the Question relates to a group water scheme with a history of operational issues.
My Department's Rural Water Programme provides capital funding under a multi-annual programme and an annual subsidy for the operational and management costs of group water schemes providing water for domestic use.
Group water schemes are community-owned and community-run organisations and accordingly I have no function in their day-to-day management or operation. My Department is responsible for policy underpinning the Programme, while the day-to-day management of the Programme is devolved to the local authorities.
The funding under the Programme is particularly focused on helping group water schemes to achieve a supply of wholesome and clean drinking water that is safe to drink on a consistent long-term basis i.e. compliant with the Drinking Water Regulations in the quantity required for their day-to-day household needs.
Where group water schemes are availing of capital grants or the annual subsidy under the Programme, the terms and conditions of these funding schemes apply. It is a pre-requisite that a strong management committee is in place to manage the scheme. This includes schemes that are considering being taking in charge by Irish Water, as may be the case here. A scheme in this situation remains fully responsible for its management right up until it is taken in charge. Another essential requirement of schemes availing of the annual subsidy is that they actively manage water leakage.
It is important to note that group water schemes, as community-owned organisations, are required to operate with good governance and both their consumers (members) and the management have rights and responsibilities.
All group water schemes availing of an annual subsidy must formally adopt the Charter of Rights and Responsibilities for Members of Group Water Schemes. Details of the Charter are available on the National Federation of Group Water Schemes website at the following link: nfgws.ie/charter-of-rights/
I understand that Limerick County Council are working closely with the scheme in question and have assisted in emergency repairs in the past to ensure a continuous supply to the scheme and the associated public supply. I would strongly encourage the members involved in the group water scheme to engage with Limerick County Council to resolve any deficiencies that exist with their water supply.
My Department will be launching a new multi-annual programme later this year and local authorities, including Limerick County Council, will be invited to submit applications for funding.
Each local authority has appointed a Rural Water Liaison Officer (RWLO). The RWLO deals with the day-to-day issues for the Programme and can be contacted at the local authority offices.
