Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
713. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to state the terms of reference for the national water conservation working group; and to provide details of their meeting and work schedule for 2026. [9792/26]
View answerIn line with the Water Policy Services Statement 2024-2030, a National Water Conservation Working Group has been established to advise on a future strategy for water conservation and prioritisation of resources during periods of water stress.
My Department chairs the Working Group, and provides administrative support for all meetings of The Working Group is comprised of relevant policy and technical experts nominated from the following organisations and bodies:
• County and City Management Association (CCMA)
• Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH)
• Water Division Water Advisory Unit,
• Water Policy Unit Rural Water Section
• Building Standards Advisory
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Uisce Éireann
• An Foram Uisce National Federation of Group Water Schemes
• Other Organisations to be invited as required
The maximum number of participants from each organisation shall be two, unless agreed otherwise by the Working Group. However, the Working Group may allow for the participation of occasional attendees and substitutes as deemed necessary to advance the work of the Group.
The dates for the meetings of the NWCWG for 2026 remain to be confirmed. it is likely that the Group will meet in plenary on four occasions during the coming year and that any sub groups will meet as required.
The work schedule for 2026 will focus on the production of advice in the form of a draft report on the following:
- A future strategy for water conservation
- The prioritisation of resources during periods of stress
The Working Group will operate for an estimated 18 months from its first meeting until the draft report has been finalised.
