The provision of modern environmental infrastructure to support social and economic objectives is and continues to be a major focus of Government spending. The unprecedented increase in investment by the Department of the Environment and Local Government in water and sewerage schemes under the current and previous national development plans has made a key contribution to economic growth that benefited every part of Ireland. Total investment in water and sewerage facilities over the period of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 will amount to almost €4.4 billion, of which over €3.8 billion is earmarked for major public schemes. This investment is aimed at supporting economic and social development, employment generation and the achievement of high environmental standards.