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

I think that is presently the arrangement between all group water schemes. In other words, whatever arrangement is in place with the group water scheme will not change as a result of this. Clearly, issues arise with group water schemes. The experience in County Mayo is that one cannot cost the voluntary effort that goes in.

I would hope the voluntary effort that the community puts in to make efficient and effective group water schemes would continue. Irish Water will not be trying to take that power away from anybody, but whatever relationship one has with one's local authority will continue and will not change. That is the position as I understand it.