Water Abstraction Regulation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018

Tuesday, 1 May 2018

Questions (472)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

472. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the water abstraction legislation as required by the water framework directive will be published. [19125/18]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The Water Framework Directive requires that abstractions of surface water or ground water which are likely to have a significant effect on water status must be regulated. In December 2017, the Government approved the commencement of work on a General Scheme of a Water Environment (Abstractions) Bill which will govern the abstraction of water in a proportionate and efficient way.

The Minister intends to return to Government in the coming weeks with a Draft General Scheme of this Bill. A public consultation process will then be launched, and the outcome of that consultation will inform the further development of the Bill.