Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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293. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will undertake a review of responsibility for the maintenance of the public sewerage system in view of the fact that the establishment of Irish Water residences and businesses now have the responsibility of the infrastructure to the centre of the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45534/17]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Irish Water is responsible for water services infrastructure including water supply pipes or sewers extending from a waterworks or waste water works to the curtilage of a 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 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, the Department is engaging with Irish Water to set out clearly the responsibilities of both Irish Water and property owners in relation to water supply and wastewater infrastructure.