John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

In terms of the water framework directive, which is very important, a total of eight river basin districts, RBDs, have been identified on the island. Three of these are international RBDs in that cross-Border waters are shared with Northern Ireland, four are wholly within the State and one is wholly within Northern Ireland. The environmental objectives of the directive are to be achieved through the implementation of the river basin management plans, which will include programmes of measures. The Deputy has acknowledged the record increase of 19%, up to €560 million, which has been welcomed by local authorities. This is the practical measure that I, as Minister, have introduced.

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