Discussions To Take Place On Plans For Water Services

SIPTU members employed in local authority water services will meet on tomorrow, Wednesday 1st February in Liberty Hall, Dublin, to consider proposals contained in a Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government discussion document on the reform of the water sector.

The SIPTU National Committee of Water Services Staff will discuss what position the union should take on proposals contained in the 'Reform of the water sector in Ireland- Position Paper', published by the Department on the 17th January.


The paper is part of a public consultation process on the establishment of an Irish Water Utility which it is planned will take over the running of the water services from local authorities.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Michael Wall, said: "Our members consider the holding of water in public ownership and control as vital for future generations of Irish people. Our members are part of teams who specialise in the water sector but who are also part of the integrated emergency response services which are required during incidents such as extreme weather, floods and fires when water services have to be protected in a coordinated fashion.

"In considering the union's position our members are very concerned at the proposal to remove some 3000 workers from the local authority structure and transfer them to the proposed new entity. This has serious implications for the future nature of local government and its ability to respond to emergencies at local level."

(CD/GK)