Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 287: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has for the irrigation of food crops during the summer months under the Water Services Bill; if it will take into account the amount of water used for crop irrigation in dry weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2646/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Section 56 of the Water Services Bill 2003, which is awaiting Dail Report Stage, enables a water services authority (county or city council), where it is of the opinion that a serious shortage of water for distribution exists, or is likely to exist in its functional area, to place restrictions on the use of water supplies during a period of such water shortage, for the purposes of water conservation. Where necessary, such restrictions could apply to crop irrigation, for example, by confining the activity to evening hours in order to minimise water evaporation loss.