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Water Conservation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020

Tuesday, 23 June 2020

Questions (900)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

900. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will address a report (details supplied) about the impact of water consumption by data processing centres on water supply; his views on the impact of this consumption on water supply during periods when Irish Water is encouraging water conservation; and if he will publish or request Irish Water to publish the volume of water consumption by data processing centres by local authority area. [12275/20]

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Written answers

Irish Water is the body with statutory responsibility for all aspects of public water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels.

My Department does not hold data on the volume of water consumption by data processing centres by local authority area as requested in the question. I understand from enquires made that Irish Water does not publish ongoing water consumption figures relating to particular businesses as the information may be commercially sensitive.

It should be noted that Irish Water, as part of an ongoing suite of water conservation measures, engages directly with existing large-volume commercial consumers of water on the measures that these consumers can take in order to ensure efficient use of water.

As part of the water connection application process, Irish Water examines the estimated amount of water required for all new projects to determine if sufficient capacity exists within the network. Certain projects may also require a full and detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). In this way, both the cumulative and individual impact of projects on water supply is subject to full assessment prior to construction and connection.

On a strategic level Irish Water is currently preparing a National Water Resources Plan that will set out measures necessary to achieve a sustainable, secure and reliable water supply into the future and particularly in response to the increasing demands expected to arise from climate change; population growth; and a growing economy.

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