Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit inniu. These regulations are practical and, in the case of Irish Water, will allow that organisation to carry out its functions with more efficacy and clarity on the basis that it will enjoy the same exemptions enjoyed by the local authorities.

On the issue of local authorities' planning and development, and Irish Water, there are a number of estates that have not been taken in charge. In my constituency it has been stated that they are waiting to hear from Irish Water regarding the water services in estates. Since these estates have not been completed properly, they are on a list to be taken over. It now seems to have been pushed over and onto Irish Water, which is responsible for water services.

However, in cases where the bond has expired and there is no money to address any problems that are found in the wastewater or surface water drains, who will pay to bring these up to standard and allow the residents to have their estate taken into charge where they can ensure that lights, potholes and water services are properly attended to if they need repair or upgrading? They are in no man's land. There is a lacuna there whereby people are paying their property tax and everything else they are required to pay, including their water charges, and the local authority is passing this over to Irish Water even though it never ensured there was a bond or deposit in the first place.

Numerous people in these estates have asked me what will happen if it is found that the pipes under the ground have not been laid properly. The local authority has not made provision, as it ought to have when it granted the planning permission. Will Irish Water or the local authority pick up the tab? Who will be directed to sort this out for these people? There are many people in this situation.