Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy McLoughlin asked a question about group water schemes. To what extent will Bord Gáis engage with stakeholders in group water schemes? I was not a member of a local authority previously, but I know that in many cases local authorities have had difficulty in getting schemes over the line to be taken over. Staff in the local authorities and water services have been invaluable in ironing out issues in communities and very hands-on. It is no mean feat and no small task. To what extent will Bord Gáis engage with group water schemes that do not want to be taken in charge or taken over?

Will there be a representative of rural water or group water schemes on the board of the new authority? Will there be someone from the consumer pillar to ensure consumer interests are represented? Will there be someone to represent consumers to give their perspective of the way Irish Water will conduct its business?

I echo what Senator Denis Landy said. A significant number of local authority staff work in water services and are concerned. Some of their concerns have been outlined and I will not repeat them, but they are legitimate. If this proceeds in a way that it turns its back on the expertise within local authorities, Bord Gáis will simply be trying to reinvent the wheel. There are certain problems and we should focus on the problems that must be addressed to have a proper water system and proper water services in the country. There is a gem of a resource in the local authorities and I am keen to ensure the people with the expertise are embraced rather than cast aside. They should be considered as a resource to meet the entire objective.