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Gaeilge

Water services transition

We support the Water Services Reform Programme and the transition of Water Services provision from local Authority sector to Uisce Éireann

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage published a policy paper on Water Sector Transformation - Irish Water - Towards a National, Publicly-Owned, Regulated Water Services Utility on 23rd February 2021.

Following a detailed negotiation process between National stakeholders, facilitated by the WRC, in June 2022 a Framework for Future Delivery of Water Services was published. This Framework outlined a proposed water operating model and covered areas of staffing and programmes with move to a National Water Utility operated by Uisce Eireann. The proposed timeframe under this Framework is to have all Local Authority Water Services fully transitioned to Uisce Eireann by end of 2026.

WSTO works with the Local Authority sector, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Uisce Éireann, National Unions and other stakeholders, supporting the implementation of government policy on the transition of water services to Uisce Éireann. 

The Water Services Transition Office (WSTO) plays an active part in managing the change process representing the interests of local authorities and staff. WSTO has a key role in coordinating and leading the involvement of the 31 county and city councils on a range of matters, including financial analysis, HR matters, legacy issues, Cooperation Change agreements, Service Support Agreements and transition planning, all of which are critical to the management and delivery of the transition from local water service authorities to Uisce Éireann. WSTO are also cognisant of, and take account of, matters that will remain with the Local Authority Sector following transition.

WSTO'S work includes:

  • Leading and guiding the sector on best practice and workaround solutions to reach the end objective of the transfer of Water Services to Uisce Éireann by 2026.
  • Researching and gathering data to identify and resolve challenges as a result of the transfer to Uisce Éireann, including implications for forward planning, economic development, sector financing of stranded costs.
  • Developing strategy papers in relation to the transition to Uisce Éireann particularly in relation to legacy issues.
  • Liaising with the CCMA Water, Environment and Emergency Planning Committee and the CCMA executive in relation to water transition matters.
  • Central point of contact for the sector in monitoring and supporting the local authorities on issues in relation to the Uisce Éireann/Local Authority Master Cooperation Agreement and Services Support Agreements (SSA).
  • Working closely with Uisce Éireann on the introduction of new initiatives and facilitating ongoing communication with the Local Authority Sector through regular meetings and updates.
  • Contributing to research data and recommendations to Policy papers on Non-Framework Water Activity areas through National Working Groups and CCMA committees / boards.
  • National oversight and Governance in areas of Health & Safety in the Water area.
  • Providing assistance and guidance notes in areas of HR and IR matters and working collaboratively through National IWCG Group. Stakeholders include the Department, National Unions, Uisce Éireann and LGMA / CCMA.