Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and allowing me to clarify the issues he has outlined. The urban wastewater treatment directive mandates the required standards for the collection and treatment of wastewater from urban areas. The various deadlines for meeting the requirements of the directive passed some time ago, with the latest deadline being 31 December 2005. By that date, secondary treatment of wastewater should have been provided for all agglomerations with a population equivalent of more than 2,000 where the treated wastewater is discharged to rivers, lakes or estuaries. As such, the issue of compliance with the requirements of the urban wastewater treatment directive is a long-standing problem.

The European Commission commenced an infringement process against Ireland regarding its implementation of the directive in September 2013. This was followed by a supplementary letter of formal notice in September 2015. A reasoned opinion was then sent by the Commission on 30 September 2016, with the case being referred to the Court of Justice of the EU on 15 February 2017. The supplementary letter of formal notice of September 2015 identified compliance concerns for a total of 82 agglomerations. However, communications with the Commission as part of the infringement process have satisfied it that 44 of those 82 agglomerations should be removed from the case. While this indicates some progress has been made in improving compliance, 38 agglomerations remain of concern to the Commission and have been referred to the Court of Justice of the EU.

Since taking over responsibility for water services in January 2014, Irish Water has put in place a prioritised range of projects to deal with the historic deficits and lack of investment in wastewater collection and treatment across the country. Irish Water has identified key projects, in both its current and recently approved future capital investment plans, to address all instances of non-compliance in its wastewater treatment plants by 2021 for each of the areas identified by the Commission. The cost of these works is estimated at €1 billion. With regard to the specific locations to which the Deputy referred, in some cases, such as Fermoy, Mallow and Ballincollig, wastewater treatment is in place and resulting in compliant effluent.

However, works on the wastewater collection systems are planned by Irish Water to ensure that the collection systems convey all wastewater for appropriate treatment.

The Cork lower harbour main drainage project is of particular significance. Operations commenced at the new treatment plant in Shanbally at the end of 2016, providing full treatment of wastewater from Carrigaline, Crosshaven and Shanbally. The areas of Cobh, Passage West-Monkstown and Ringaskiddy will also be served by this new treatment plant at various dates in the future.

Investment by Irish Water in ensuring compliance with the requirements of the urban wastewater treatment directive is only one aspect of what is required in terms of the provision of wastewater services. Further significant and sustained investment will be essential to ensure ongoing compliance, facilitate future population and economic growth and protect the environment and human health.

The Deputy is right to raise the matter, as the House will debate the future of water in March and April on foot of the committee's report, which is due soon. Often, we forget that this issue also involves wastewater. People say that there is a right to water, but there is also a responsibility to deal with wastewater. It is a major cost. It is important that the investment plan that has been agreed with Irish Water is continued. There is a commitment from the Government, with the House's support, to continue that investment plan regardless of the debate on charges. The EU is conscious of the fact that our investment plan through Irish Water is helping us to address the issues that arise, which is essential for environmental purposes.

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