Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Public ownership is a core principle governing the development of water services and the Government has given its full commitment to holding a referendum on ownership of water services It is important to note that the establishment of Uisce éireann in public ownership is already firmly secured under the Water Services Acts 2007 to 2022.

I have previously committed to bringing forward a referendum proposal on public ownership of water services for consideration by Government in conjunction with the anticipated recommendation of a proposed referendum on housing.

The Housing Commission has submitted its report and recommendations to me in respect of a constitutional change on housing. A minority report was also recently submitted to me by a small number of members. I am now considering both reports and will shortly bring proposed next steps in that process to Government. I intend to take a similar approach to the proposed referendum on water ownership.

In this way, it is intended that definitive proposals, including next steps and timelines, for referendums on water and housing will be considered by Government in due course.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Water Supply Project - Eastern and Midlands Region is a strategic national project, included in the National Development Plan, to help meet the long-term water supply requirements for the Eastern and Midlands region. The project is subject to the Public Spending Code, which sets out the value for money requirements for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects.

The Water Supply Project – Eastern and Midlands Region project is currently at the Preliminary Business Case Stage of the Public Spending Code. The Preliminary Business Case (PBC) aims to develop the strategic case for the project, consider in detail the range of options available and decide whether there is a case for proceeding with the proposal. The PBC also incorporates detailed options appraisal and assessments of risk along with the proposed approach to implementation of the proposal.

The PBC stage includes an External Assurance Process to provide independent project scrutiny. Its main purpose is to achieve better value for money by supporting Departments and Government with independent expert insight relating to project risks, delivery feasibility, and the robustness of costings, governance and procurement.

In addition to its role as economic regulator of Uisce éireann, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in conjunction with its own external experts has carried out an independent external assurance review of the Water Supply Project – Eastern and Midlands Region Preliminary Business Case.

As a prerequisite to seeking Government consent for projects at the PBC stage of the Public Spending Code, project proposals and external assurance reviews must be scrutinised by the Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG) in advance of a decision to proceed. The MPAG consists of highly qualified experts with extensive experience at senior levels in planning, managing, and delivering major public investment projects and will assist the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in its project assurance role.

The Water Supply Project – Eastern and Midlands Region PBC and independent external review are currently with the MPAG for review. Following the MPAG review, the Water Supply Project – Eastern and Midlands Region Preliminary Business Case will be considered by Government for progression to the next stage of the Public Spending Code.