John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

It has seen the EPA take on an enforcement and compliance role in respect of the local authorities in terms of both drinking water and wastewater facilities.

In regard to the recent sustained period of severe weather, the critical consideration was the response of the relevant statutory agencies tasked with addressing emerging events. The response arrangements of the statutory and voluntary agencies in dealing with the developing problems were substantially tested. The arrangements put in place worked but there is room for reflection and a review of the lessons learned which can be built on and which may be of assistance in responding to future such events.