Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

This is an important debate on the most important issue facing the country. The conservation of water will be the major issue in Ireland over the next 15 years. The impact on global warming and climate change will significantly affect how we consider these matters worldwide. There are many good aspects to this Bill and the debate has been full, open and without personal rancour.

The security and integrity of our water supply, free from contamination, is a key issue. This Government missed a major opportunity in respect of waste water treatment plants throughout the country. Serious problems with our sewage treatment plants were identified in a publication in April 2004. This Government has spent a decreasing amount of money on waste water treatment.

Treatment of sludge and the issues debated in Donabate, regarding the regional waste sludge treatment, are serious and must be addressed. Everything has changed because of the contamination of the water supply in Galway. It has had a profound impact on how people feel. The next Dáil must address these issues in a serious way. I welcome and support the passage of this Bill.

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