Report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group

consumption (see also section 9 in relation to energy procurement
generally). For example, the installation of variable-speed drives on the
main pumps in Leixlip Water Treatment Plant resulted in an on-going
operational saving of over €40,000 per month. It achieved a pay-back
period of just under 10 months and resulted in a carbon emission reduction
of over 360 tonnes per year. The energy benchmarking approach recently
rolled out by the Water Services Training Group (WSTG) should be
extended to all water services facilities by end of 2011 to produce an energy
audit and identify achievable efficiencies. The Department should consider
providing some funding facility under the Small Schemes Programme in
2011 in this regard.
10.3.23 The IT-based Performance Management System should be implemented for
all plants so that comparative data are available to establish benchmarking
for service delivery and inform savings measures.
10.3.24 Collaborative sampling/ monitoring arrangements could be undertaken with
other public bodies. The review of laboratory facilities could consider, in
consultation with other public agencies involved in water monitoring, the
scope for efficiencies through sharing of services and the elimination of
duplication.
10.3.25 The question of water pricing and water charges is dealt with separately in
section 13.
Recommendations:
10.3.26 In summary, the Group recommends the development of an enhanced
regional office approach at river basin level for:
• Infrastructure delivery and implementation of the RBMPs;
• Managing bulk purchasing (such as energy, chemicals), and externally
procured sampling and monitoring and to seek economies of scale in
contracts for equipment maintenance;
• Working with the Water Services Training Group (already regionally
based) to optimise training;
• Following further analysis, (a) delivering monitoring, authorisation and
licensing functions currently carried out by local authorities under a
range of legislation and (b) providing operational audits to identify
potential for savings.
10.3.27 The Group also recommends that:
• The ‘agency’ working arrangements between DAFF and local
authorities on inspections under the nitrates regulations be extended
with a view to a more efficient use of the overall inspection resource;
• Where appropriate, the necessary equipment be installed to allow
remote operation and monitoring of water/ waste water facilities;
• There be a concerted effort to reduce unaccounted for water including
water leakage levels;
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