18. (1) The Minister may, from time to time, appoint a day by order for the purposes of this section, and different days may be so appointed in relation to—

(a) different water services authorities, or

(b) different relevant authorisations or different classes of relevant authorisation.

(2) An order under this section shall designate such relevant authorisations, or such class or classes of relevant authorisation, as the Minister may determine.

(3) A relevant authorisation—

(a) designated by an order under this section, or

(b) belonging to a class of relevant authorisation designated by such an order,

shall continue in force on and after the day appointed for the purposes of this section by that order for the unexpired period of the authorisation as if issued to Irish Water.

(4) In this section “relevant authorisation” means a licence, authorisation or permit (howsoever described) issued to a water services authority.