John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I assure the Deputy that we have tried to telescope the timeframe involved by significantly reducing the number of criteria. I have spoken to the local authorities about this issue. Whereas cuts have been made in other areas, I was anxious that we continue and increase the investment in the water services programme. Were the impetus to be lost in terms of investment, the programme could be set back considerably. I am satisfied that the programme of investment in drinking water infrastructure and waste water treatment plants will continue.

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