Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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1142. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the counties in which his Department or its agencies have conducted groundwater mapping investigations; and if the data and information gathered is assisting other public agencies in protecting groundwater and drinking water supplies. [13691/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Geological Survey's Groundwater Programme has carried out a National Groundwater Protection Programme and Vulnerability Mapping on a county basis in conjunction with Local Authorities and other relevant agencies, which was completed in 2014. These maps are incorporated into County Development Plans. As part of this programme, specific Public Water Supply Protection Plans were produced with the respective Local Authorities.

The Geological Survey has also been working on specific drinking water supplies, focussed on Group Water Schemes since 2010, which are located throughout the country.

Since 2015, the Geological Survey has been supporting Irish Water in their Source Protection Work for Groundwater Public Supplies.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an agency under the auspices of the Department, is the competent authority for the delivery of the Water Framework Directive and have supervisory powers for Irish water supplies. All of the national maps produced by the Geological Survey are fundamental layers for the national characterisation process used by the EPA in support of the Water Framework Directives. 

The nature of the programme as a national endeavour has resulted in work in all counties. Last year, work focussed on Donegal, Mayo, Cork, Tipperary and Roscommon.