Deputy Mulherin also called for clarity on how group water schemes will be facilitated under Irish Water, the new public utility which will manage our water supplies. Deputy Mulherin was speaking at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht. Group water schemes are found primarily in rural areas generally not served by a public water supply, and are privately owned, operated, and maintained.
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She said: "Group water schemes are a vital arrangement in remote, rural areas. There are approximately 234 such schemes in operation in my constituency of Mayo.
"Staff in the local authorities and water services have been crucial to ironing out issues that arise in relation to group water schemes. These staff have a wealth of local knowledge and experience and are crucial to the success of the group water scheme. It is vitally important that Irish Water utilises local authority staff to facilitate the future success of group water schemes coming under its remit.
"Having a representative of rural water or group water schemes on the board of the new authority needs to be considered by Irish Water. It is important that consumer interests are represented when it comes to this important area. Will there be someone to represent consumers to give their perspective on how Irish Water conducts its business?
"Irish Water does not need to reinvent the wheel. There is significant expertise within local authorities when it comes to dealing with group water schemes. I am concerned that under Irish Water this experience will not be availed of and the expertise will be lost."
(CD)
