Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
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154. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if the water charge rate for households in Arklow, County Wicklow, and similar towns will be reduced by 50%, in view of the fact that there is not a sewerage treatment plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45503/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water is responsible for public water services. Section 21 of the Act requires Irish Water to charge each customer in receipt of water services provided by it. If a customer is in receipt of a wastewater disposal service from Irish Water, they will be charged accordingly.

The Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 provide for the authorisation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of discharges from waste water treatment plants that are released to all types of receiving waters. In the case of discharges from smaller sewage systems, certificates are issued instead of licences. The licences stipulate conditions and remedial actions to be taken to ensure compliance with standards for various substances and conformity with obligations under a number of EU environmental Directives. The Water Services (No.2) Act 2013 provided for the transfer of the licences and certificates issued to water services authorities to Irish Water and Irish Water is now required to meet any conditions and to carry out remedial actions required therein. The new funding arrangements for the sector will allow for increased investment to remedy legacy issues in relation to waste water treatment.