This article is from page 16 of the 2013-01-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
CONCERNS have been expressed that any potential sale of semi-state companies could see responsibility for water services in Clare transferred to Shanghai. The comment was made yesterday by Fianna Fáil councillor PJ Kelly at the January meeting of Clare County Council.
Members were discussing a report on the eventual transfer of water services from local authorities to a new body, Irish Water.
Irish Water will be a subsidiary of Bórd Gáis, with reports indicating that the semi-state could be sold off.
Cllr Kelly told the meeting that Chinese investors have been linked with the purchase of Bord Gáis. Cllr Kelly said, “Will Clare water services be run from Shanghai? This is a serious question that needs to be asked.”
County Manager Tom Coughlan said that the government had given a commitment that Irish Water would remain in public ownership.
It is anticipated that Irish Water will take responsibility for all water service by 2017 with billing of customers set to commence in the first quarter on 2014.
Councillors expressed concerns over the transfer of services to Irish Water.
Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) claimed Irish Water will have a “dismal future” and questioned what the effect will be on staff working in the council’s water services division.
Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) asked if meters installed in new housing estates will be accepted by Irish Water or will new facilities have to be installed.
Cllr Michael Kelly (FF) said it was a “shambles” that no Clare representative is on the steering committee. Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said that an extraction levy should be imposed if Irish Water make a decision to extract water from the River Shannon for use in industries in the the East of the country.
Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) asked if the council would have to vote on transferring ownership of its water infrastructure to Irish Water.
He said, “It would be a step too far that councillors will give the nod to the transfer of substantial assets.”
Mr Coughlan said he is very aware of the concerns of staff and has met with all workers in the water services division over the past three weeks.
He said staffing would be an issued resolved at a national level between Irish Water and the trade unions.
He said it was his understanding that the council’s water infrastructure would be transferred to Irish Water. He said a vote may not be required if primary legislation is enacted that allows for the automatic transfer of assets.
Mr Coughlan said that while there had been no specific discussions of a mooted Shannon extraction scheme, every issue regarding water management is on the table.
Councillors requested that the Minister for the Environment allow for local representatives to be nominated to the Irish Water steering committee.