Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While the responsibility for storm sewers remains with local authorities, responsibility for combined sewers, which carry both foul sewage and storm water, has been transferred to Irish Water. A memorandum of understanding to establish principles and mechanisms through which Irish Water and each local authority will co-operate with respect to sewer flooding and storm water management is being developed. I understand this document is close to being finalised and signed off with each local authority. Most local authorities have a storm water management policy that encourages the use of sustainable drainage systems in all new developments.

The management of flooding, which is often a consequence of not having the right infrastructure in place, is very much the responsibility of local authorities, which work with the Office of Public Works, OPW, on some of the bigger projects. Therefore, there is a carryover across multiple organisations, from Irish Water to local authorities and to the OPW in the case of some bigger projects. What is required is a pretty seamless management system that can ensure that happens efficiently.

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