Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding will be made available to local Government authorities in order that upgrading of the water supplies to domestic users can be guaranteed and the problems caused by the recent weather conditions will be prevented from recurring in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10633/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 565 and 566 of 2 February 2010.

Substantial funding of €508m is being provided by the Exchequer for water services infrastructure in 2010. Against the current economic backdrop, this level of investment, which will mean that average spending on water services over the period 2009 and 2010 will be up 3% on the 2008 outturn, continues to reflect the priority assigned by Government to providing critical water services infrastructure.

My Department is currently finalising a review of water services investment, arising from which I expect to publish the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2012 shortly. The severe weather last January pointed up the need to sustain our efforts in the provision of water services infrastructure and, in particular, the replacement and rehabilitation of older mains. A greater focus on such works will be a key priority of the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2012.