Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Matthews for making those very important points about Irish Water and the capital investment programme required. It will take a nationwide approach to prioritising planning and investment. The company has developed a long-term investment perspective in order to address the deficiencies in public water and waste water systems. The company is closely regulated by both the EPA and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU. I noted the Deputy's comments in the Wicklow Timestoday. He referred to our commitments under the water framework directive, marine protected areas and biodiversity, all of which are interrelated. I also note that the Avoca waste water treatment plant was raised by a former Green Party councillor, Ms Nancy Quinn, as far back as 1988, which is astonishing. That plant is finally being delivered and while it is very late in the day, it is happening now which is most welcome.

The task here is enormous. As the Deputy quite rightly pointed out, we have not seen significant investment in this area for decades because these are not projects that many people perceive as necessary but they absolutely are. I reiterate the Government's commitment to ensuring that Irish Water is tasked with and supported in continuing to work to address infrastructural deficits all over the country to bring our water and waste water infrastructure up to modern European standards and make it fit for purpose for the Irish economy and country.

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