Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 November 2022
84. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of a community group water scheme (details supplied); when Irish Water will apply the leak allowance on work carried by the group to cover the outstanding debt; and the date for the finalisation of steps to take over of the scheme by Irish Water. [59615/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the question is referring to legacy debt issues where group water schemes are seeking to be taken in charge by Irish Water.
Group water schemes are community-owned and community-run and they remain fully the responsibility of the scheme right up until such time as they are formally taken in charge by Irish Water.
Irish Water and the local authority are actively working to resolve the issues around debt in some schemes, including the scheme mentioned in the details supplied and this also requires goodwill and a proactive approach by the schemes involved.
An annual subsidy is available from my Department via the local authorities. This subsidy funds and supports the maintenance and operation costs of schemes providing water for domestic use, thus facilitating their upkeep until they are taken in charge.
