Written answers

Tuesday, 20 November 2007

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Water Services

8:00 pm

Photo of Andrew DoyleAndrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 558: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislation governing charges for water supplied to Wicklow from Wicklow reservoirs; when it was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29845/07]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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General legal authority to charge for water supplies derives from section 65A of the Public Health (Ireland) Act 1878, inserted by section 7 of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1962 (as amended). Additional legislation applying to Wicklow, including the Dublin Corporation Waterworks Act 1861 and the Bray Township Act 1866, obliges Dublin City Council to provide a supply of treated drinking water to Bray and Greystones, at little or no cost which is in breach of Ireland's obligations under the EU Water Framework Directive.

This legislation is being repealed under the Water Services Act 2007, and replaced by a modern legislative code requiring water services authorities to charge for the full cost of providing water services to non-domestic users. It is understood that Dublin City Council intends to continue providing water supplies to Wicklow County Council, but at appropriate rates of charge phased in as transitional arrangements and ultimately reflecting the true cost of supply. My Department is also in contact with Wicklow County Council with a view to adjusting the annual subvention from the Local Government Fund to take account of the revised financial arrangements.

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