Irish Water has welcomed the signing of the orders to commence the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2022 by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien.
The commencement of the orders will see Irish Water become Uisce Éireann from the 31 December and a standalone regulated public water utility on 1 January 2023.
Speaking about the changes, CEO of Irish Water Niall Gleeson said:
“The separation of Irish Water, now Uisce Éireann, from Ervia is a milestone moment for water services. I would like to thank Minister O’Brien for his support and commencing the orders to enable Uisce Éireann become a standalone public utility. I also look forward to continuing our investment in water services in collaboration with the chair Tony Keohane and the members of new non-executive Board.
“These changes, alongside the publication recently of the ‘Framework for the Future Delivery of Water Services’ will support fully integrating water services on a national basis, ensuring that the benefits of the ongoing investment of over €1 billion a year in our public water systems are maximised.
The Ministerial appointments to the new Board of Uisce Éireann (10 directors), which take effect on 1 January 2023 subject to the commencement of the relevant provisions of the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2022, are as follows:
- Tony Keohane (Chairperson)
- Niall Gleeson (CEO)
- Patricia King
- Eileen Maher
- Cathy Mannion
- Michael Walsh
- Gerard Britchfield
- Liz Joyce
- Fred Barry
- Christopher Banks
Niam Gleeson continued:
"Working together we will deliver public water and wastewater infrastructure and service to a high standard across the country. This will ensure that every citizen has consistent access to clean drinking water and that wastewater is treated and discharged safely.
“Irish Water’s vision is the delivery of a world class public water utility focussed on customer needs, efficient water services, and supporting housing, economic development, and job creation across the country.“