Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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503. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he can give any direction to Uisce Éireann in relation to capital and/or operational matters. [33839/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The scope, prioritisation and progression of individual projects and expenditures is a matter for Uisce Éireann, and is approved through its own internal governance structures. I have no role in relation to day to day capital or operational matters.

However, under section 16 of the Water Services Act 2013, I am required to give consent to Uisce Éireann to enter into capital commitments in a given year. I also give consent prior to Uisce Éireann entering into any individual capital commitment in excess of €50 million. It is important to note that these are consents to enter financial commitments. The scope, prioritisation and progression of the individual projects is a matter for Uisce Éireann.

Also, under section 26 of the Water Services (No.2) Act 2013 I may give a direction in writing to Uisce Éireann in relation to the performance of its functions under the act, requiring it to comply with policies of the Government.