Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 286: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views regarding a submission (details supplied); his plans regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43994/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Water Framework Directive establishes a legal framework for water management, for protection and restoration of waters, and for ensuring the long-term sustainable use of water. The Directive's river basin planning process involves an integrated planning approach with regard to land, water and ecosystem management, involving economic considerations and requiring a high level of public participation. The first River Basin Management Plans were finalised for each of our seven river basin districts in July 2010.

My Department is finalising proposals to give effect to the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government to introduce charges for water services in a way that is fair, significantly reduces waste and is easily applied. The installation of water meters in households connected to public supplies will encourage householders to conserve water and will complement the investment on water conservation measures in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 which I announced earlier this year. The new investment programme includes an increased focus on water conservation. Levels of unaccounted for water need to be addressed as a matter of urgency. The full integration of water conservation measures into the investment programme will ensure that network rehabilitation and conservation measures are addressed in the planning of water supply schemes.

Some €1 billion or 27% of total Exchequer spending on major public water and waste water schemes over the period 2000 to 2009 has been related to water infrastructure. As a result, there has been an increase in water treatment capacity equivalent to the needs of a population of over 1 million and an increase in water supply storage capacity equivalent to the needs of a population of over 1.6 million in the period 2000-2009. A further €900 million in Exchequer resources has been spent under the Rural Water Programme, the majority of which has funded improvements in water infrastructure in the group water sector.