Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. We will continue to engage with the CCMA. I undertake to work with my officials to engage with the CCMA. The CCMA review identified a requirement for 57 additional posts. Funding has been provided for 21 of those. As part of the Estimates process, I will be looking to increase that. I take the Senator's point that there are 31 local authorities in total. We will continue to develop. Local authority resourcing is key to the implementation of this programme. Inspections and enforcement are important components of ensuring we meet the challenge of protecting and improving our water quality. However, as we all know, it must be a sincere collective effort to reverse water quality decline as the causes and the answers are not within the grasp of just a few individual groups or sectors. The Government is working to ensure collective collaboration to the benefit of all.

In summary, I will work with my section to follow up with the CCMA and the local authorities. As part of the Estimates process, I will look for further funding to increase the number of inspectors. The CCMA identified a requirement for 57 additional posts and 21 have been recruited to date.