Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
406. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the overheads which must be paid by each local authority, to meet central management costs relating to Uisce Éireann; if all funding is recouped from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11137/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraModern and efficient water services are essential to the daily lives of our citizens and to our economy. The Government’s vision is to deliver a world-class public water services authority which will provide best practice, cost effective water services and support economic development and job creation in local communities.
Central to this vision is transferring the operation and control of public water services from 31 local authorities to direct Uisce Éireann responsibility. Service Level Agreements (SLAs) existed between Uisce Éireann and Local Authorities which provided for Uisce Éireann to pay to local authorities the full costs of service provision including overheads. These Service Level Agreements ceased and since 2024 my Department has been making payments to local authorities for relevant overheads that were previously recovered from Uisce Éireann.
My Department has and continues to engage with key stakeholders including local authorities to address any issues raised and to ensure a smooth transition for the provision of water services takes place. The transformation programme is continuing and is due to be completed by the end of this year.
