Council shortfall may mean big bill for rate-payers

Rate-payers may be left with hefty bills if a planned new super-authority does not reimburse Cork County Council for major multi- million euro sewerage and water projects.

Cork’s county manager Martin Riordan and county engineer Noel O’Keeffe are both concerned Government plans to reform water and sewerage services throughout the country, under the umbrella of Irish Water, could have serious implications for local authorities.

Cork county council, one of the country’s largest local authorities, is concerned a €30m investment will not be recouped when the new water body takes control.