Fórsa has confirmed that there will be a new local authority process for local authority water services staff who wish to remain as local authority workers that will see staff reassigned to other roles in the sector.

The phased transfer of water services to Uisce Éireann began over the summer and will remain ongoing until 2026, when local authorities will cease to be involved in the public water system.

The mechanism sets out the proposed methodology for re-assigning local authority water services staff who wish to remain as local authority employees to suitable vacancies within grade and competence to other local authority services, and will commence immediately.

The document commits each local authority to facilitating workers to the maximum extent possible and will be subject to an agreed knowledge transfer period where necessary, in accordance with the internal mobility policy of each local authority.

Head of Local Government Richy Carrothers welcomed the framework and said that Fórsa’s priority continues to be the protection of workers in the local authority water services throughout this process.

“Members will be aware from the updates provided that we have repeatedly raised concerns over aspects of the final master agreement. We remain committed to the framework to protect our members and Fórsa has been working hard to progress and ensure these protections,” he said.

Local authority water service workers can apply for reassignment by completing this form and submitting it to the relevant HR personnel.