Written answers

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Water Services Provision

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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491. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which rainfall and drainage requirements will be taken into account in the determination of overall sources of water supply in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26154/14]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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492. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the sources for future water supply requirements in the Eastern region have been identified and provision put in place to make such supply available in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26156/14]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 491 and 492 together.

Since 1 January 2014 Irish Water has statutory responsibility for the operation of water services including the delivery of water services capital infrastructure. The further progression of all water services capital projects and issues pertaining to them is now a matter for Irish Water.

Irish Water has recently published its proposed Capital Investment Plan 2014 – 2016 and this is available to download from the Irish Water website, . In addition, the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 requires Irish Water to prepare a Water Services Strategic Plan. The water services strategic plan will set out the objectives of Irish Water in respect of the 25-year period following the approval of the plan and the means by which it proposes to achieve those objectives. In preparing a water services strategic plan, Irish Water will have regard to proper planning and sustainable development, ensuring, as far as practicable, that the plan is consistent with the National Spatial Strategy, regional planning guidelines and river basin management plans. The plans must also have regard to a range of other policy considerations including housing strategies, strategic development zones and water quality plans.

Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that it has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email at or by telephone on 1890 278 278.

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