Water Abstraction Regulation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2019

Tuesday, 5 February 2019

Questions (676)

Robert Troy

Question:

676. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the research carried out to establish the overall risk of pollution to Killinure Lough, County Westmeath, through the establishment of a water extraction scheme by Irish Water; and if this research has taken into account that water levels in Killinure will refill mainly from Lough Ree and therefore environmental damage will take longer to rectify. [5689/19]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

As outlined in my reply to Question No. 1120 of 15 January 2019 on this matter, I have no statutory role in this matter as proposals to abstract water for the purpose of public supply are a matter for Irish Water under the provisions of the Water Supplies Act 1942 and any required planning permission is a matter for the relevant local authority. Environmental and other considerations are taken into account as a normal part of the planning process.