Irish Water

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Irish Water (Uisce Éireann) is the national water utility company in Ireland. It is responsible for providing and managing public water services, including the supply of drinking water and the treatment of wastewater. Irish Water was established in 2013 as a subsidiary of Ervia, a multi-utility company.

History

Irish Water was created as part of the Irish government's reform of the water sector. Prior to its establishment, water services were managed by local authorities. The creation of Irish Water aimed to centralize and improve the efficiency of water services across the country.

Responsibilities

Irish Water is responsible for:

• The supply of clean and safe drinking water to homes and businesses.
• The collection and treatment of wastewater.
• The maintenance and upgrading of water infrastructure.
• Ensuring compliance with national and EU water quality standards.

Funding and Charges

Initially, Irish Water introduced domestic water charges to fund its operations. However, these charges were met with significant public opposition, leading to their suspension in 2016. Currently, Irish Water is funded through government grants and non-domestic water charges.

Infrastructure and Projects

Irish Water is involved in numerous infrastructure projects aimed at improving water quality and supply. These include:

• The construction of new water treatment plants.
• The upgrading of existing water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• The replacement of old and leaking water pipes.

Controversies

Irish Water has faced several controversies since its inception, primarily related to the introduction of water charges and the handling of customer data. Public protests and political opposition have significantly influenced the company's policies and operations.

See also

• Ervia
• Water supply and sanitation in the Republic of Ireland
• Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland)
• Local government in the Republic of Ireland