Written answers

Wednesday, 4 October 2006

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Water Quality

9:00 pm

Photo of Brian O'SheaBrian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the remedial measures he will take in order to protect fresh and coastal water resources in view of the warnings from the Environmental Protection Agency following the publication of the EPA report, Water Quality in Ireland, 2005; if he is satisfied that the river basin districts established under the Water Framework Directive are operating to their fullest potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30906/06]

Photo of Dick RocheDick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 117 on today's Order Paper.

A comprehensive programme of activities is currently under way 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. The River Basin Management Plans to be adopted by June-2009 will 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.

The implementation of the Water Framework Directive under the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003, requires a coordinated approach to water management in respect of whole river basins. This is being 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 €63 million for these activities and considers that the river basin management projects are working very effectively.

The achievement of improvements in water quality will be significantly supported by the ongoing investment under the Water Services Investment Programme and by the 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 to meet the requirements of the Nitrates Action Programme.

I am satisfied with the progress made so far in implementing the Water Framework Directive and I expect that we will see significant improvements in the quality of our fresh and coastal water resources, which will be reflected in EPA Water Quality Reports over the coming years.

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