Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to manage turf cutting on designated bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2335/10]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans regarding the management of turf cutting on designated bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2336/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 42 together.

The ten year derogation that allowed the continuation of turf-cutting on 32 Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation notified for designation in 1999 has now expired. In the coming weeks I expect to receive a report from the Working Group on the Cessation of Turf Cutting in Designated Areas including recommendations for managing the cessation. I will include my consideration of these recommendations as rapidly as possible.

I will consider these recommendations and will contact affected parties shortly thereafter. ^^Water Service. ^^

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the manner in which water investment and services are delivered is efficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2503/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Good progress has been made in recent years by local authorities in the provision and management of water services in their areas. This progress has been possible through high levels of investment coupled with new legislation on the supervision and enforcement of drinking water standards in public water supplies and the licensing of wastewater treatment plants.

There is an ongoing need to expand and improve our water and wastewater treatment capacity to ensure compliance with environmental standards and ECJ judgements, to anticipate future economic and social development needs and to ensure investment decisions reflect other national priorities such as the National Spatial Strategy. These issues have been central to the assessment of needs for water services infrastructure in their areas that I asked local authorities to undertake in recent months. These assessments will inform the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2012, which I will publish early this year.

In addition, my Department is currently undertaking a Value for Money Study in relation to the efficiency and effectiveness of delivery of the Water Services Investment Programme as part of the Government's Value for Money Reviews for 2009 – 2011. The outcome of this study will also influence the implementation of future water services investment programmes.