Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 March 2014
130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which it is expected that Irish Water will be in a position to make the necessary investment in the provision of storage, treatment and transmission of an adequate and appropriate water supply of the required quality in the short and medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12390/14]
View answer134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which proposals are in hand to augment, upgrade and modernise various municipal sewerage treatment plants throughout the country with particular reference to investment in line with the specification and requirements set out by the local authorities; the extent to which funding has been made available or is being made available for such works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12395/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 134 together.
Since 1 January 2014 Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of water services including the provision of water services infrastructure. It is currently preparing a Capital Investment Plan for 2014 – 2016 that will provide for the transition of projects included in the 2010 – 2013 Water Services Investment Programme. The further progression of all water services capital projects is a matter for Irish Water. My Department has asked Irish Water to put in place specific arrangements to address the queries which public representatives may have in relation to matters pertaining to the operation of water services under the new utility. I understand that Irish Water has made contact with Oireachtas members to outline the arrangements for addressing such queries in a timely manner.
