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

I refer the Senators to section 26(1), which states:

Irish Water shall—(a) after consultation with the Commission, the Agency, each local authority and each regional body, and
(b) not later than such date as the Minister may direct,prepare and submit to the Minister a plan...

The provision means that it must consult with everybody concerned. There is no concern about a lack of due and proper consultation or a capacity for people to make their views known, whether they are elected officials or councillors. Negotiation is part of the process of preparing a strategic plan for an area. It is critical that a plan is compiled through consultation. I will go into greater detail on the matter when we reach section 26. I hope I have been helpful.