The locations of Irish Water's regional offices have been announced.

Irish Water will have three regions for operational purposes, regions aligned with those proposed in the Government's local government reform plan, Putting People First.

The regional offices are being established to support the provision of water and wastewater services, with regional work associated with operations, asset management and certain capital projects being sited in these offices.

The locations of the eight regional Irish Water offices are:

• Dublin City (Eastern/Midlands region)

• Mullingar (Eastern/Midlands region)

• Castlebar (Connaught/Ulster region)

• Cavan Town (Connaught/Ulster region)

• Donegal Town (Connaught/Ulster region)

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• Kilkenny City (Southern region)

• Limerick City (Southern region)

• Mallow (Southern region)

Irish Water will have a headquarters in Dublin and a services function in Cork. Between 18 and 32 employees will be based in each of these offices drawn from the local authorities, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG), Bord Gáis and open recruitment. A variety of roles will be available including operation and maintenance, capital planning and HSQE (Health Safety Quality & Environment).

Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D. said: "I welcome the announcement of these regional locations. These regional offices will help to increase efficiencies and create greater economies of scale in the provision of water services, while ensuring that Irish Water working with local authorities remains close to its customers. This announcement, combined with the recent announcement of 400 jobs for Irish Water's customer contact centre in Cork, is very positive news.

"Our goal is to create a world class water and wastewater system for citizens, that protects public health and the environment. A secure supply of quality water will also support job creation and encourage foreign direct investment from water-intensive industries. Ireland can become a prime location for such industries as other countries struggle to ensure water supply meets demand."

(CD/JP)