Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy says it is in breach of the citizens' assembly, but it is in compliance with EU law and guidance. This is not an exemption. It is defined in the EU guidance as an alternative target that is designed to get the best possible environmental outcome while continuing to provide societal benefits. This is a cyclical process. Water bodies currently proposed for designation are unable to meet the good ecological status objective at this time. As further information arises, alternative solutions could become available. Once a viable alternative is implemented that can allow these water bodies to achieve their natural target, they will not be designated as heavily modified in subsequent cycles. Where no alternative solution can be found, mitigation measures will be applied to those designated water bodies to ensure they achieve the best environmental standard possible.

Designation as heavily modified is a dynamic process that allows us to continue to with specified uses, such as drinking water and flood protection, while still achieving the best environmental standards possible. It allows us to redesignate and de-designate water bodies in the future if better solutions arise. It does not constitute a lowering of ecological targets.

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