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Gaeilge

Water services transition

We support the Water Services Reform Programme and the transition of services to Irish Water.

The Water Services Transition Office (WSTO) plays an active part in managing the change process involved in the transition of water services from the Local Authority sector to Irish Water, representing the interests of local authorities and staff.

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

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien T.D.  published a policy paper on Water Sector Transformation - Irish Water - Towards a National, Publicly-Owned, Regulated Water Services Utility on 23rd February 2021.

WSTO'S work includes:

  • Attending, supporting and leading various transformation engagement networks including the Public Water Services Transformation Group (PWSTG).
  • Researching and gathering data to identify and resolve challenges as a result of the transfer to Irish Water, including implications for forward planning, economic development, pensions and stranded costs.
  • Developing strategy papers in relation to the transition to Irish Water particularly in relation to legacy issues.
  • Liaising with the CCMA Water, Waste Management, Environment and Emergency Planning Committee 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 Irish Water/Local Authority Service Level Agreement (SLA).
  • Working closely with Irish Water on the introduction of new initiatives and facilitating ongoing communication through regional SLA groups and the Change Managers Network.