Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

To avoid doubt, this amendment expands the scope of the original section 22(5)(k) to enable the powers of authorised persons, for the purposes of investigating the connection of and ascertaining the course of pipes, to be applied to distribution systems, water mains and related accessories. The amendment arises from previous amendments to clarify references to various types of pipes under section 2. As distribution systems and water mains are now defined separately in section 2, it is considered necessary to make specific reference to them in section 22(5)(k) to ensure they come within the necessary scope.

For the avoidance of doubt, the powers of authorised persons will now also apply to related accessories, for example valves or meters. To avoid frustration of the provision, the revised paragraph also provides for maintenance generally as well as renewal and repair of pipes in anticipation of cases where a maintenance check might not lead to any repair or renewal works. The amended paragraph will also provide for the installation of all such equipment in the first instance to cover all eventualities. We want to ensure this is all-embracing.