John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

The Government's commitment to ensure drinking water supplies are in full compliance with statutory quality standards is reflected in the €4.7 billion in capital funding for water services infrastructure in the National Development Plan 2007-2013, an increase of 27% on the previous plan. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency has, under new drinking water regulations made in June 2007, been given significantly enhanced supervisory and enforcement powers regarding quality standards in these supplies.

The EPA's report for 2006 and 2007 on the provision and quality of drinking water in Ireland has identified 339 public water supply schemes where detailed profiling is required from source to tap to ensure consumers have a reliable supply that is consistently of a satisfactory standard. My Department and the EPA are working in conjunction with local authorities urgently to identify, agree and implement solutions in these cases.

Solutions may range from upgrading treatment facilities to abandoning unsuitable sources or improving operation and maintenance arrangements. Where significant infrastructural works are required they will be funded by my Department and I have put in place contingency funding arrangements for that purpose. The EPA will oversee implementation of all remedial actions as part of its enhanced supervisory function.

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