Ivan Yates
Question:262 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals he has to establish a national baseline survey in relation to our national aquifer system and water resources and water quality. [24902/00]
Written Answers. - Water Quality.
The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of databases of information related to the environment and for the preparation and implementation of environmental monitoring programmes. Information in relation to the groundwater monitoring regime established by the EPA is set out in the EPA report Ireland's Environment – A Millennium Report, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library. The Geological Survey of Ireland which is under the aegis of the Department of Public Enterprise, also has functions in the maintenance of databases in respect of aquifers.
Groundwater protection schemes are being produced for different counties by local authorities and the GSI. The schemes include: maps delineating aquifers and groundwater vulnerability; a report which describes the aquifer systems in each county – or hydrogeology; and a comprehensive report on the groundwater quality.
By the end of 2000, groundwater protection schemes will be completed for nine counties, comprising 30% of country. By the end of 2002, some 50% of the country will have been covered. As required under the EU water framework directive, aquifer maps for the remainder of the country will be produced by the end of 2004 as part of river basin management plans and will include, as required by the directive, an assessment of groundwater status, both for quantity and quality. It is estimated that less than 4% of the available groundwater resources are at present being used.
The quality of surface waters, and from 1995, groundwaters, is assessed on a continuing basis for purposes of the triennial reporting cycle put in place by the EPA.