Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 103: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take to ensure that local authorities have sufficient funds and staff to effectively carry out their functions in relation to water quality; and the measures he intends to put in place to help local authorities to attract and retain enough qualified staff to carry out all their environmental functions. [16467/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A wide range of measures is in place in order to assist local authorities in the execution of their functions in relation to water quality. For example, the local authorities acting jointly are designated as competent authorities for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive under the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003. Their task in this regard is being significantly supported by river basin district projects, led by local authorities but funded by my Department, 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 funds in excess of €50 million to date to these activities.

A further €2 billion has been invested since 2000 under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme, on the provision of new and upgraded water and wastewater infrastructure. In addition, I am providing some €875m to local authorities in 2006 through general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund. This represents an increase of 7% over the level provided in 2005 and I am satisfied that this funding, together with the income available to local authorities from other sources, will enable them to provide a satisfactory level of services. It is, of course, a matter for each local authority to prioritise its expenditure within the resources available to it and to operate its services as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Local authority staffing increased by over 25% in the period 1997 to 2003. I am continuing to keep the overall employment position in the sector under regular review, having regard to the need to deliver quality front line services and achieve value for money within the parameter of Government policy on public service employment generally.