Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

798. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on the status of Irish Water's plans as regards treating wastewater with ultraviolet light or equivalent technology to prevent the discharge of contaminated water into Dublin Bay. [17336/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The scope, prioritisation and progression of individual projects is a matter for Uisce Éireann and is approved through its own internal governance structures.

The Government is aware that significant and sustained investment is needed to ensure the continued operation, upgrade and repair of the country’s water and waste water infrastructure and to support economic growth in the years to come. In this regard, as part of Budget 2023, I secured funding of over €1.78 billion to support water services.

In response to this query I have been informed by Uisce Éireann that they operate and will continue to operate an Ultraviolet treatment system at the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant during the designated bathing season which runs from 1 June to 15 September, in accordance with the requirements of the Wastewater Discharge License.

Significant investment of over €1bn is being made to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). Uisce Éireann are developing new critical wastewater treatment infrastructure to support the future sustainable growth of the area, to protect the environment and to safeguard public health.

Major projects to enhance the collection, storage and treatment network capacity in the Dublin region include the Dublin City Centre Sewerage Scheme, the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project (under construction), the Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Scheme (approaching completion) and the Greater Dublin Drainage project.

As a key stakeholder focussed on safeguarding our water, Uisce Éireann also provides support for educational initiatives including the Think Before You Flush, Think Before You Pour and the Green Schools educational programmes.