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

The purpose of amendment No. 3 is to provide the board with powers to undertake preparatory work pending the assignment of full water services powers by future legislation. A similar provision for the Commission for Energy Regulation was included in the published Bill. This amendment will clarify the range of functions that the subsidiary, Irish Water, and the board may carry out pending the provision of full utility powers to be assigned by legislation later this year. This will allow the board and Uisce Éireann to carry out the necessary activities as it prepares for full water services powers. The amendment has been included following discussions between the Department and Bord Gáis and with the Parliamentary Counsel. It will give the board and Irish Water greater certainty as the preparations for the establishment of a full water service utility proceeds in advance of the next Bill.