Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funds will be provided by his Department in order to conduct research into the efficacy and cost effectiveness of the various measures that could possibly be taken to improve water quality in order that sectors such as farmers, industry and the forestry sector will be in a position to meet the various requirements under the Water Framework Directive and the Phosphorus Regulations, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. [16466/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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A comprehensive programme of activities is currently underway by my Department, the EPA, local authorities and other relevant bodies for full implementation of the Water Framework Directive. To date, all implementation deadlines set by the Directive have been achieved on time by Ireland. Further implementation requires the establishment and operation of a comprehensive monitoring programme by January 2007 and the adoption of river basin management plans by June-2009. A draft of the plans must be available for public consultation by June 2008. The plans must set out the environmental objectives to be achieved during the 6-year plan period together with the programme of measures which will be required to deliver on these objectives. Cost effectiveness is an intrinsic part of the planning process for river basin management. Cost analysis will be used in the development of the programmes in order to make judgments on the most effective and efficient measures to be adopted.

The implementation of the Water Framework Directive is being significantly supported by river basin district projects, led by local authorities, together with a wide range of research and other projects funded under the National Development Plan. INTERREG funding is also being applied in relation to cross-border projects. My Department has committed 100% funding amounting to some €50 million to date to these activities.

The achievement of actual improvements in water quality will be significantly supported by the ongoing investment under the Water Services Investment Programme and by implementation of the Nitrates Action Programme, which will be key elements within the overall programme of measures under the Water Framework Directive. Some €2 billion has been invested since 2000 on the provision of new and upgraded waste water services under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme. Significant funding is also being provided by my colleague the Minister for Agriculture and Food under the Farm Waste Management Scheme to support investment by farmers for compliance with the Nitrates Action Programme. Implementation of the Phosphorus Regulations will be incorporated and brought forward within the overall measures for implementation of the Water Framework Directive.