Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he can put in place provisions for future requirements in respect of the domestic drinking water supply in all areas throughout the country, with particular reference to source, transmission, storage and prevention of any possible contamination; the extent to which the total requirement has been determined; the likely cost, if known; the time within which he can expect to finalise any such matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5872/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the future sources of domestic drinking water have been identified, with particular reference to the need to make adequate provision in respect of such requirements throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6174/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 197 together.

The overall strategy of investment in water services is to ensure that the timing and scale of investment facilitates economic and other development, achieves compliance with statutory requirements and promotes environmental sustainability objectives. The main vehicle for achieving these objectives for public domestic water supplies is the multi-annual Water Services Investment Programme. The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 is available in the Oireachtas Library.

The Programme provides for the commencement of contracts with a value of over €800m in relation to water supply infrastructure. This includes contracts to address deficiencies in the quality of supply, to improve the overall capacity of the system and an accelerated programme of mains rehabilitation. The Programme also provides for the advancement of a further range of schemes through planning, for progression to construction in future investment cycles.

The Programme is based on an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services undertaken by each water services authority which were subsequently appraised by my Department. In preparing their assessments, water services authorities were required to take into consideration key environmental and economic criteria in prioritising contracts and schemes to be progressed in their areas. The development of the Programme was strongly influenced by reports by the Environmental Protection Agency on drinking water quality, an assessment by Forfás of the requirements of enterprise in Gateways and Hubs, as well as River Basin Management Plans. In addition, a detailed project appraisal is undertaken during the planning phase of each scheme, which determines issues such as the appropriate source of water, projected future demand and the most cost effective solution to meeting needs. There is, therefore, a strong evidence base, from technical assessments, environmental monitoring and policy studies to underpin the strategic direction of water services capital investment.

In order to create efficiencies, improve service delivery and achieve cost savings in the delivery of water services, the Programme for Government provides for the establishment of a new State-owned national water authority to take over responsibility for managing and supervising investment in water services infrastructure. The Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the EU/IMF commits Ireland to undertaking an independent assessment of the establishment of such an authority.

The first phase of work on the independent assessment has been completed and has been published as part of a public consultation which will conclude on 24 February 2012. The report set outs an outline transition plan for the establishment of Irish Water and following on from the consultation process, phase two of the independent assessment will set out a more detailed implementation plan. This plan will take account of the need to ensure that this critical public service delivered efficiently during the transition and that there is no loss of momentum in the delivery of key projects.