Written answers

Wednesday, 1 December 2021

Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government

Wastewater Treatment

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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99. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the necessary funding will be put in place to carry out the necessary works to comply with regulations in view of the EPA report that raised concerns regarding Kilgarvan and 11 other towns and villages in County Kerry in which wastewater treatment must improve to help protect freshwater pearl mussels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59406/21]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government commits to funding Irish Water's capital investment plan for water infrastructure on a multi-annual basis. The National Development Plan 2021-2030 commits to almost €6 billion capital investment by Irish Water in the period 2021-2025, of which over €4.5 billion will be Voted Exchequer funding in respect of domestic water services.

In Budget 2022, I secured over €1.57 billion to support water services. This includes €1.459 billion for domestic water services provision by Irish Water. The investment will deliver significant improvements in our public water and waste water services, and support a range of programmes delivering improved water quality in our rivers, lakes and marine area. It is key to addressing Ireland's shortcomings in water and waste water infrastructure, including compliance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Irish Water takes a strategic, nationwide approach to asset planning and investment, and meeting customer requirements. The prioritisation and progression of individual projects and programmes is a matter for determination by Irish Water.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives.  The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.

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