I understand that the question relates to drinking water treatment supplies.
Ensuring provision of safe drinking water is a priority for me and for the Government.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s recently published report, “Drinking Water Quality in Public Supplies 2019”, shows that our water supplies are safe. Over 99% of water samples comply with safety limits. There has also been a further reduction in the number of supplies on the EPA’s remedial action list.
However, it is clear that significant challenges remain in delivering the programme of work that Irish Water has been tasked to deliver. The new Programme for Government sets out clear and ambitious commitments, including funding Irish Water’s capital investment plans of €8.5 billion under the National Development Plan.
I recognise the demanding work that Irish Water, along with its local authority partners, is undertaking to address those issues identified in the EPA report and I have arranged a meeting with the management of Irish Water this week to discuss the report and the delivery of the goals contained in the Programme for Government.
In relation to the European Commission’s ‘Reasoned Opinion’, my Department remains in contact with the EU Commission in respect of this case and the delivery of the ongoing reform of water services in Ireland.
Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The Irish Water Strategic Funding Plan 2019-2024 sets out Irish Water’s multi-annual strategic business planning funding requirement of €11bn to 2024, comprised of a €6.1bn investment in infrastructure and assets, including €1.1bn for water quality, and €4.9bn in operating costs.
Further detail in relation to the breakdown of Irish Water's capital investment should be sought from Irish Water. It may be helpful to note that Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email at Oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
