Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue, which I understand is a source of concern for a number of her constituents. At the outset, I should highlight that the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, as environmental regulator, is responsible for setting quality standards and enforcing compliance with EU directives and national regulations for drinking water supplies and wastewater discharges to water bodies. Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local level. Irish Water's primary function is to provide clean safe drinking water to customers and to collect, treat and return wastewater safely back to the environment, including the two wastewater treatment plants raised tonight by the Deputy.

My Department no longer has any direct role in monitoring or supervising the delivery of water services. However, from inquiries made with Irish Water, I understand that while refurbishment works were carried out in 2018, further investigations for sewer network blockages and possible malfunctions have been carried out and issues rectified where possible. Notwithstanding these actions, Irish Water is considering the need for an upgrade to the treatment plant at Belgooly to cater for the existing and projected future loading in the area during the investment planning process for their next capital investment plan. I understand from Irish Water that the treatment system at Shannonvale consists of a septic tank and percolation area that serves a terrace of nine houses. The septic tank is not overloaded, however Irish Water's investigations suggest that the source of the issue is the percolation area. Irish Water is examining what operational, remedial works or capital maintenance works are required to be undertaken in advance of any infrastructure project at Shannonvale.

The Deputy will appreciate the investment needs across our entire water system are considerable; they will take a number of investment cycles to fully resolve and will require significant and sustained investment. Under the recently adopted programme for Government, the Government has committed to continuing the €8.5 billion funding package agreed in Project Ireland 2040, which will be invested in public water services to ensure the continued operation, repair and upgrading of Ireland's water and wastewater infrastructure to support social and economic development across the State and ensure compliance with EU directives. In more general terms, the Government's river basin management plan 2018-2021 outlines what Ireland is doing to protect and improve all of our waters. The next river basin management plan is currently being prepared by my Department.

I accept that Deputy Cairns makes a very strong argument for her constituents in the two areas mentioned, especially in relation to the safety of those in Shannonbay, particularly children. I will revert back to Irish Water through the Department and see what we can get. There are many areas throughout the country which have significant pressure points that are urgent and will require significant capital investment in the coming years, including in my own constituency. It takes money to fund them but Project Ireland 2040 has a significant budget behind it.

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