Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
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929. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the steps the Government will be taking to progress the 35th amendment of the Constitution (water in public ownership); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12048/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The 2016 Bill proposing the Thirty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution concerning public ownership of water did not complete the legislative process in the Houses of the Oireachtas and was deemed to have lapsed with the dissolution of the 33rd Dáil.

The Water Services Acts 2007 to 2022 confirm Uisce Éireann as the national authority for water services and detail its functions and responsibilities. These Acts additionally secure the public ownership of Uisce Éireann.

The government is committed in its aim to deliver a world-class public water services utility which brings best practice, cost effective water services and supports economic development and job creation in local communities.

The published Programme for Government does not make any commitment regarding a referendum on the public ownership of water services. The focus going forward is on supporting Uisce Éireann in its plans for delivery of key strategic projects in our cities and regions.