Written answers

Thursday, 16 July 2015

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Irish Water Administration

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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730. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when it is intended to provide guidance to Uisce Éireann on the taking in charge of group water schemes to enable them to progress the taking over of such, given the reply issued to this Deputy by Uisce Éireann, stating that it is waiting for such guidance before it can get directly involved in taking such schemes in charge; the reason for the delay in progressing this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29689/15]

Photo of Alan KellyAlan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides for the transfer of water services functions from the 34 water services authorities to Irish Water. Under the legislation, Irish Water now has the powers previously held by local authorities in relation to the takeover of Group Water Schemes. This means that Irish Water may acquire by agreement a waterworks or waste water works, subject generally to not fewer than two thirds of those entitled to dispose of it (typically the members of a group water scheme), giving their consent.

It is open, therefore, to group water schemes to contact Irish Water if they wish to have their schemes considered for take over.

Separately my Department continues to provide some limited funding under its Rural Water Programme to bring quality deficient group water schemes up to a standard in advance of take-over. As responsibility for the administration of this programme has been devolved to the local authorities, group schemes which may come under this heading can contact their local authority for advice on the matter.

My Department is engaging separately with Irish Water on broader issues around rural water and sewerage programmes with a view to ensuring that there is appropriate integration of the Department's Rural Water Programme and Irish Water's Capital Investment Programme so as to fully support rural development and address any environmental issues that may arise. Such discussions will involve the National Federation of Group Water Schemes and local authority management. Guidance relating to taking over group schemes will be considered in this forum.

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