Written Answers. - Water Services.
Bernard Allen
Question:
326
Mr. Allen
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
the degree to which domestic water storage capacity is sufficient to meet current and projected demands; the projected requirement in terms of storage capacity; the number of days supply required and planned for here and in other jurisdictions in the event of an emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[17723/02]
The national development plan provides €4.4 billion for investment in water services infrastructure up to the end of 2006, approximately three times the amount expended during the 1994-99 period. Expenditure by my Department on water services reached a record €507 million last year.
Substantial increases in water treatment and storage capacity are being achieved as a result of this increased investment. Schemes completed since 1997 have produced additional drinking water treatment capacity equivalent to the needs of a population of 586,000. The increase in water production capacity in 2000 and 2001 alone was sufficient to meet the requirements of a population of 378,000 people and was equal to 45% of the corresponding figure for the entire period of the previous national development plan 1994-99. The increase in storage capacity produced during 2000 and 2001 was sufficient to meet the requirements of a population of 437,000, representing 50% of the corresponding output in the 1994-99 period.
The national water study published by my Department in March 2000, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, included details of the treated water storage capacity of all public water supply schemes serving populations in excess of 5000. The study recommended a minimum capacity of 24 hours storage.
Details of currently approved proposals for major new and upgraded water supply schemes are set out in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2002-2004, which is also available in the Oireachtas Library. A significant number of new water supply schemes are included among the 129 schemes worth €726 million introduced to the programme for the first time. The schemes contained in the programme are drawn mainly from the results of local authority assessments, which have helped to inform the overall strategy for meeting additional capacity requirements.
Details of an allocation for 2002 of €80 million for rural water services were announced earlier this year. The main focus of this programme is on the provision of water treatment facilities in privately sourced group water schemes serving some 5% of households nationally.
Overall I am satisfied that the resources being put in place will ensure that we continue to meet all demands for water services.
Questions Nos. 327 and 328 answered with Question No. 324.
