Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 355: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the European Commission has commenced any proceedings against Ireland in relation to the Water Framework Directive; the breaches alleged or confirmed against Ireland; and his response and defence to same. [30412/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 356: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the correspondence between Ireland and the European Commission in relation to the Water Framework Directive and water services generally. [30413/10]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 357: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he anticipates that the European Commission will impose fines on Ireland in relation to the Water Framework Directive. [30414/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 355 to 357, inclusive, together.

A letter of Formal Notice (Article 226) was issued to Ireland by the European Commission on 23 October 2007, alleging inadequate transposition of the Water Framework Directive by Ireland. A comprehensive response was sent to the Commission on 23 January 2008. No further action has been taken by the Commission on this matter to date.

On 3 June 2010 the Commission issued a letter of formal notice to Ireland, along with 10 other Member States, for failure to meet the Water Framework deadline of 22 December 2009 for publication of River Basin Management Plans and the deadline of 22 March 2010 for reporting of plans. The delay in finalising our plans arose due to the complexity involved in establishing environmental objectives and the need to address issues which arose during the public consultation phase which ran from December 2008 to June 2009 (in accordance with the deadlines set out in the Directive). A response to the Commission's letter is due by 3 August 2010.

River Basin Management Plans have been adopted by all 34 local authorities and the EPA has submitted its report on the plans to me. Comments on the plans have also been received from a number of public authorities and other bodies and all of these submissions have been assessed. In accordance with the deadlines and process provided for under regulations, I gave final approval to the Plans, with amendments yesterday; these amendments are being notified to the co-ordinating local authorities.

The response to the most recent communication from the Commission will confirm that the plans have been adopted and I do not expect the infringement to escalate any further.