Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 3

Written Answers. - Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

199 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the extent to which adequate capital has been made available or is likely to be for the provision of adequate domestic water supplies in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16303/01]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The national development plan provides for expenditure of almost £3 billion over the period 2000-06 on water and sewerage services, £1.3 billion of which is in respect of water supplies, including the rural water programme. This represents a threefold increase in expenditure for these services by comparison to the 1994-99 period.

The first phase of a rolling three-year water services investment programme for the period 2000-02, providing for investment of £2.1 billion on major water and sewerage schemes, was announced in July 2000. Expenditure incurred under the programme in 2000 together with investment in rural water supplies amounted to £335 million, an increase of 18% on the 1999 expenditure. This level of expenditure will underpin the efficiency and quality of the water supply system and provide increased capacity for continuing sustainable economic development.

Question No. 200 answered with Question No. 63.