Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2021
286. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which Irish Aid continues to engage in projects providing drinking water to communities suffering from a lack of clean water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34216/21]
View answerSafe drinking water is essential in the fight against poverty, hunger, child deaths and gender inequality, and has a renewed importance in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Despite this, 844 million people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water.
Ireland recognises that ensuring affordable and sustainable access to clean water is a key public health and development issue. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development commits countries to combat water-borne diseases, and to significantly reduce the number of deaths and illness from water pollution and contamination.
Ireland’s efforts to ensure greater clean water access are delivered through different development partners. These include local and national Government agencies; Irish, international and local NGOs; and multilateral organisations. Ireland will continue to emphasise the importance of clean water at key multilateral events, such as the upcoming Food Systems Summit.
For example, Ireland supports community water and sanitation projects in Mozambique and Vietnam, is investing in solar panels for a sewage treatment plant in Gaza, and upgrading of sanitation in schools in Sierra Leone. Ireland also supports the UN’s Global Environment Monitoring System, helping developing countries to accurately monitor water quality, working with University College Cork.
