Written answers
Tuesday, 31 January 2017
Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government
Water Services Provision
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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311. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the reason responsibility to repair and maintain combined drains, private drains and connections were not transferred to Irish Water; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is causing significant distress to dwellers and homeowners who are facing unfair financial liability for such repair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4415/17]
Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for delivering public water services. Irish Water is also responsible for water services infrastructure including water supply pipes or drainage pipes extending from a waterworks or wastewater works to the curtilage of a private property.
Under sections 43 and 54 of the Water Services Act 2007, responsibility for maintenance and replacement of any water or wastewater pipes, connections or distribution systems that are located within the boundary of a private property rests with the owner. This was the position that pertained prior to the establishment of Irish Water, when individual local authorities held responsibility for public water services and infrastructure.
While the legal position is set out in the 2007 Act, my Department is engaging with Irish Water to set out clearly the responsibilities of Irish Water and property owners in relation to water supply and wastewater infrastructure.
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