MEMBERS OF THE public are being recruited to provide guidance on the administration of water services.

The new Public Water Forum will have direct input into both Irish Water and the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

In a statement, the CER has stated that the purpose of this new board will be to “represent the interests of water consumers and a variety of sectoral organisations”.

The CER is the independent energy regulator that has responsibility for economically regulating Ireland’s public water system.

What will it be able to do?

The CER and Irish Water have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see them accepting submission from the new forum.

While not compelled to act upon these submissions, both bodies will have to provide an explanation should they decide to reject them.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland programme, Dr Tom Collins, who will chair the group, said that pricing was expected to be the “dominant issue” in the early stages of operation.

Other issues that are expected to be a focus are water quality, public health, public services, investment priorities and water conservation.

The forum will publish its findings in an annual report.

How do you apply?

Of the Public Water Forum’s 32 members, 20 will be recruited from the general public, with the other 12 coming from expert groups.

Those applying are not required to be signed up Irish Water customers, with it looking it to gain a broad spectrum of views.

The forum will be balanced for gender, region and economic factors.

Applications to join the Public Water Forum begin from today and individuals can apply through the CER website. 

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