Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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543. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the extra cost to the State due to the late transfer of water treatment plants from the local authorities to Irish Water; the expected extra costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8823/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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On 14 January 2015, I signed an order under section 12 of the Water Services (No 2) Act 2013. This order provided for the transfer to Irish Water of all underground water services assets previously vested in any local authority. Further orders for the transfer of assets are currently being drawn up and I expect to shortly sign an order for the transfer of some 250 treatments plants from local authorities to Irish Water. Considerable work is involved in preparing supporting material for the transfer of over-ground assets from local authorities, to ensure that the order reflects the precise nature and boundary of the asset. The remaining orders required will be completed as soon as possible, subject to taking the time necessary to ensure the assets are accurately set out. Since 1 January 2014 Irish Water is responsible for operating and maintaining all water services assets and so it is Irish Water that is responsible for all such expenditure. Irish Water plans to invest over €400m in water infrastructure (excluding metering) in 2015.