Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I accept that legitimate concerns have been raised about the supply of drinking water to parts of Wicklow and Dublin from the Vartry supply. I reiterate my firm commitment to the advancement of proposals, including those in the action programme, aimed at addressing these deficiencies. I want infrastructural provision in the water sector to be accelerated. Important decisions on the reform of the sector will be made from this perspective in the coming months. We will build on the existing strengths of the current system to achieve our goals. Projects in the current water services investment programme will form part of our investment plans under any structural arrangements. Important projects, such as the replacement of the Vartry tunnel, need to be advanced as quickly as possible. The Government has committed to invest €1.6 billion in capital funding in water services between 2012 and 2016. I urge all authorities, including Dublin City Council, to press on with the delivery of priority projects. I can confirm that I will contact the local authority in the Deputy's area to see what can be done to expedite the proposals that have been mentioned.

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