Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I will give the name later.

Quality in 69 water bodies from 21 estuarine and coastal areas from 2002 to 2006 showed that two, or 2.9%, were potentially eutrophic and 13, or 18.8%, were eutrophic. Eutrophication is a major threat to an aquatic environment and if ignored can lead to decreased number of species and biodiversity.

The implications of failing to meet standards and targets in water quality should never be realised. This system of incentives encourages universal participation in improving water quality and simplifies the process of meeting EU targets. It is not good to blame particular individuals or groups because we all share the responsibility to ensure the highest quality of water in rural areas. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, organisations such as the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association and the Irish Countrywomen's Association, and local authorities must continue to work together as the main stakeholders of the rural water programme to ensure water quality standards continue to be met. I wish the Department, its officials and local councils well in the huge job ahead.

I congratulate all who are involved in group water and sewerage schemes, which not only provide a basic service but offer benefits for the environment. None of us can survive without clean water. It is difficult to explain how, in 2007, there are people who cannot avail of such basic services. The ongoing work in this area will ensure access for all to water that is fit to consume. This is important for us and for river and marine life.