What is a "water services authority" (2012 act)?

Going Forward · 04-11-2014 1:34am #1

I read a couple of articles claiming that septic tank licensing "should" now be carried out by Irish Water, but the Irish Water website states that this function will remain with the Department Environment Local Government.

http://www.irishenvironment.com/reports/irelands-proposed-and-so-far-inadequate-answer-to-septic-system-problems/

"Either the local water authority (or soon to be constituted national water authority) or the Environmental Protection Agency can “direct” an inspection of any septic tank"

The 2012 act refers to "water services authorities" but to my eyes this can be read in the act as being part of the local councils previous responsibilities and now Irish Water's new responsibilities (IW will have regional office divisions at a later stage).

The act:

http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Water/WaterServices/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,29427,en.pdf

Peregrinus · 04-11-2014 3:41am

"Water Services Authority" is defined in the 2007 Act as a City Council or a County Council. The 2012 Act amends the 2007 Act to gives water service authorites new functions and responsiblities, but doesn't alter the definition. However the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 s. 7 transfers all the functions of water service authorities, with limited exceptions called the "excluded provisions" to Irish Water.

Don't know whether septic tank inspection is an excluded provision. If it is, responsiblity stays with the water services authority, which will be the County Council or City Council. If it isn't, then responsibility passes to Irish Water.

What is a "water services authority" (2012 act)?

Comments