Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On global revaluations, the Valuation Office is carrying out the valuation of Irish Water and there have been some indications of how the valuation will be broken down for each local authority. I have heard that population size might be used in calculating the figure. I have also heard indications that, by coincidence, the valuation may end up being the same as the current total valuation of Irish Water. That will be interesting if it turns out to be the case. If the figure is divided by population, counties such as Wicklow will lose out significantly. In fairness, Wicklow County Council rated all of its water infrastructure in its books, whereas I understand a number of councils did not rate any of their water infrastructure. Is there a question mark over the current valuation of Irish Water, given that some councils did not carry out a valuation? When the Valuation Office gives its valuation of Irish Water, who will decide how to apportion it and how will it be done? If it is apportioned according to population size, what will happen to the likes of County Wicklow which will probably lose approximately €1.6 million in commercial rates? What involvement will we or the Government have in the process, or who else will decide how it is to be apportioned after the Valuation Office provides the valuation?