Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

As I already mentioned, officials are currently examining the most suitable options to provide for safe bathing water during the winter months and to improve dissemination of information on bathing water quality. We look forward to the recommendations of the expert group in the coming months. The Government is committed to substantial and sustained investment in our water infrastructure which will build on improvements in recent years to deliver enhanced environmental conditions in our rivers, estuaries, lakes and coastal waters.

I take the opportunity to remind members that the draft river basin management plan, which proposes a new level of ambition with over 100 measures outlined to address impacts on water quality, is out for public consultation until the end of this month. I encourage everyone to participate in this process and express their views as this will help to inform and improve the plans, programmes and wider policy developments that impact our waters.

A more comprehensive approach is being taken to hear the views and issues before making decisions in the coming months. I reiterate that a review undertaken by the European Commission found that Ireland is fundamentally in line with the provisions of the relevant directive.