Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

I support the amendment from Deputy Catherine Murphy. We have been unable to get the figures from the Minister but we know now, almost by default, that the question of the finances and the funding of this arrangement are, at best, up in the air. Furthermore, we know that, at best, only a small income, perhaps in the region of €30 million to €40 million, will be derived from the introduction of domestic water charges. If we had the figures we would know but it could be far worse; we could be introducing these domestic water charges at a loss to the State.

Again, this brings into question the basis of the entire water charges fiasco. As Deputy Murphy said, since 1 January these charges have not been implemented. Now, the question of whether Irish Water will have something similar to these development charges in future arises. If so, do we have any idea what the basis of such charges will be? What will the cost be and how will they be implemented? For example, how would such charges dovetail with the local planning authority? I am keen for these questions to be answered.

Several times during the course of this debate I have asked for a response to a question I raised. Perhaps the Minister of State, who is taking the session this evening, may be able to help me in this regard. Some householders may find themselves in a position whereby their sewerage is blocked but the blockage is in an area in the public domain outside their house and garden and under the public road outside. Irish Water indicated to a constituent of mine in recent days that the company is not responsible even though the blockage is accepted to be in a public area. The company maintains it is not responsible for removing the blockage and claims the householder is responsible. If it is a matter of a simple blockage it may not be too bad and it may be reasonably cheap to have it sorted. A person might even be able to sort it out himself. However, let us suppose the blockage required the opening of a road. Then, the question of a road opening licence arises as well as the hiring of a contractor and reinstating the road subsequently. Significant sums of money could be at stake. It could run into thousands of euro.

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