Skip to main content
Normal View

National Development Plan

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021

Tuesday, 16 November 2021

Questions (105)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

105. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an overview of NSO 9 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55878/21]

View answer

Written answers

At the outset it should be noted that my Department, in carrying out its role in coordinating the NDP Review, does not consider the merit of individual projects or sectoral policy strategies as this is primarily a matter for individual Departments and Agencies.

With that point noted, I would be glad to give the Deputy an overview of the NSO 9 which is the Sustainable Management of Water and other Environmental Resources. This NSO highlights the centrality of our sustainable water resources to the implementation of the NPF to underpin our environmental and economic well-being into the future which is against the backdrop of the significant deficits in water services capacity and quality reflecting historic underinvestment.

The relevant sectoral strategies under this NSO are the Water Services Policy Statement 2018-2025, Irish Water’s National Water Resources Plan and the Government’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. These strategies play a critical role in identifying the goals and priorities for this area and are therefore critical in informing the investment projects set out in the NDP.

In terms of water management a range of investments are planned and underway. In the period from 2021-2025 almost €6bn investment will be undertaken by Irish Water. This investment includes major projects such as the Water Supply Project – Eastern and Midlands Region and the Greater Dublin Drainage Project.

Major capital infrastructure programmes across all of Ireland are currently ongoing and investment will continue to be prioritised to improve water and waste water quality through significant capital projects and delivery of national programmes.

Strategic investment priorities to ensure water quality include: works to address issues with public water supplies on the EPA’s Remedial Action List, ending the discharge of untreated sewage at the locations identified under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and Undertaking waste water upgrades at EPA designated priority areas.

Furthermore, a range of investment relating to the Circular Economy will also be delivered over the coming years.

These are just some of the many investments which will be delivered under this NSO in the coming years to support Project Ireland 2040. Further details on projects, by NSO, can be found on the investment tracker on gov.ie/2040.

Top
Share