Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy's first question relates to the audit and to the costs involved in bringing the network up to date before metering commences. Each local authority is involved in an ongoing process to identify the number of homes with single water supplies which can be upgraded immediately. Some homes have shared water supplies and for others the point of entry for the supply is to the rear of the property. There are issues in this regard and such properties may not be upgraded during the first phase. In excess of 1.05 million homes are expected to be metered. Those which will be upgraded first will be those in respect of which there is clarity about their location, access to the network etc. Costs is a serious issue and assessing the costs involved is part of the work that is ongoing. I am subject to correction but I understand this work is being carried out by local authority staff. Those staff will be working in the context of service level agreements between Irish Water and the local authorities and the company will obtain the necessary information by means of the terms of those agreements.

It is an important issue. Some of the new build is not as good as it was anticipated it would be but I do not have the full figures. They will all be part of the final build because, ultimately, our water infrastructure must be fit for purpose. If 42% of treated pumps, stored water, never get to a household, that is a significant issue.

The cost of the Garryhinch proposal is on the Dublin City Council website. The contract for that project is expected to be in the order of €5 million.

The question of staff transfers and the relationship between Uisce Éireann and the local authorities is a key issue. It has been subject to considerable negotiation and an agreement has been reached with local authority staff representatives, county managers and Uisce Éireann which will allow for service level agreements to continue beyond 2017, I understand, for at least a 12-year period. Therefore, there is certainty for staff in local authorities as to the work they will be doing should they wish to remain in the local authority.

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