Vol. 397 No. 10
21 Mr. T. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the location, nature and extent of the capital sum of £300 million which it is proposed to spend between now and the year 2000 on new and improved public water supply schemes, so as to ensure that the stringent standards for drinking water set by EC Directives are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The total of £300 million which is to be spent in providing new and improved water supply schemes throughout the country between now and the year 2000 was determined, on the basis of the best information available to my Department, as the level of spending required to modernise or replace existing water treatment plants so that the stringent water quality standards set by EC Directives and the National Drinking Water Quality Regulations are fully and consistently met. Schemes to be carried out in the period 1989-93 have been identified in the preparation of the operational programme for sanitary and other local services which is still under consideration by the EC Commission. The programme will be published when it is approved by the Commission. Since January 1989 I have approved contract documents for water schemes valued at £43 million and I intend to give approval to further such schemes in the current year.
