Fórsa and the group of unions for water workers have once again raised the issue of staff shortages in water services, and the potentially significant impact of the decision to end all acting posts and fixed term contracts in water services on Sunday 31st March 2024. 

The union side has continued to press the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) to ensure that the public water services are sufficiently resourced, and that where staff vacancies arise, they are filled in line with the terms of the framework.

“Members will be aware from the updates provided that we have repeatedly raised concerns over this. We pointed to the damaging impact of this decision and, following these representations, Uisce Éireann and the LGMA have agreed to bring forward proposals to address the issue at the next meeting of the Irish Water Consultative Group,” explained Head of Fórsa’s Local Government and Local Service and Municipal Employees’ Divisions, Richy Carrothers. 

The next meeting of the Irish Water Consultative Group is due to take place this morning, Friday 22nd March. Richy explained that at the most recent forum, which took place on Monday 19th February, unions received a firm commitment from the employer side that the advice to end all acting posts by Sunday 31st March would be reviewed if posts are deemed critical. 

“This commitment from the LGMA was given due to the union side raising the severe impact that the ending of acting posts would cause to the delivery of water services in the local authority areas. Uisce Éireann agreed that this could have a significant impact on delivery,” he said. 

As a result of this discussion the LGMA committed that they would undertake to review, with the senior management in individual local authorities, if specific acting posts should be kept in place due to their critical nature. 

“It remains our position that service delivery must be protected, and that any cliff edge should be avoided. Ultimately if there is any decision to terminate acting posts, then management must bear the responsibility for any negative impact on the public. The transition period should be utilised to its fullest to ensure a safe and sensible move over to full Uisce Éireann control of all water services. This includes maintaining all posts until they can be filled appropriately,” said Richy.   

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