Water quality problems in group water schemes, particularly those using private sources and serving some 50,000 households, are at the centre of the EU's concerns. I have initiated extensive measures to help bring these groups, which generally lack any form of water treatment or disinfection, into compliance with drinking water standards.
Last year some £39 million was spent on rural water compared to £8.5 million in 1996. A total of £420 million is being provided in the National Development Plan 2000-2006 for the rural water programme and much of this will focus on resolving the difficulties in the group sector. Based on recommendations of the National Rural Water Monitoring Committee which represents group schemes, rural organisations, local authorities and my own Department, comprehensive rural water strategies are now being developed at county level. These will identify how the quality issue can be tackled through upgrading and renewal works on group schemes and by optimising usage of public and private water infrastructure.
New water treatment technologies are also being piloted in group schemes at some 30 locations. The moneys to fund the county strategies and to pay for the installation of new group scheme treatment and filtration technology where required have been provided in the NDP. I am also reviewing the grant and subsidy regime for group schemes to ensure they will be in a position to meet the additional investment and running costs falling to them.
I am disappointed that, against the background of the enormous and genuine efforts already being made, the Commission should now be contemplating court action against Ireland. The Commission itself acknowledges the progress now being made after what it calls "years of neglect". Earlier this month, I wrote to Commissioner Wallstrom, requesting a meeting to give her details of the extensive action we are already taking to resolve these problems.