Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reform of drinking water services he will promote to ensure that leaking of drinking water is addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42836/09]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the works which are in the process of being carried under capital water services investment out to conserve water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42967/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 67 and 89 together.

As additional water supply capacity through leakage control is a viable alternative to capital infrastructure provision, the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 includes a National Water Conservation Sub-Programme. This Sub-Programme, which includes the management of water supply systems, active leakage control and mains rehabilitation, has been in progress for a number of years and has led to reductions in unaccounted for water, improved knowledge of the condition of water distribution networks and consumption patterns and an improvement in the level and quality of supply to consumers.

The water conservation allocations, together with details of all major water services schemes, for each local authority are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2007–2009 which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Additional information in relation to progress on individual contracts or water conservation works under the Programme may be obtained from the relevant local authority.

The priority to be accorded to water services schemes, including water conservation projects, is a matter, in the first instance, for the local authority concerned. Last July, local authorities were asked to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services in their areas to my Department by 23 October last. My Department has begun its consideration of those needs assessments, which will form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme.

Water conservation has to be a key component of local authority water services operations and I am determined that water conservation projects will be more fully integrated into the new Programme. To that end, in conducting their needs assessments, local authorities were asked to prioritise schemes and contracts for progression over the coming years based on key environmental and economic criteria, with water conservation projects that meet environmental and economic goals being listed as a priority category. The 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme will be published in early 2010.