Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2021
270. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to an announcement by the European Commission that it would refer Ireland to the European Court of Justice over alleged non-compliance with the drinking water directive; the water supply zones that have been deemed to have excessive levels of trihalomethane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56984/21]
View answerOn Friday 12 November my Department was notified of the decision of the European Commission to refer Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failure to comply with the requirements of the Drinking Water Directive (Directive 98/83/EC). No further details have yet been received in relation to the specific water supply zones that are the subject of this referral.
In May 2020, the Commission issued a Reasoned Opinion to Ireland in respect of 31 public water supplies and 13 private group water schemes, with regard to elevated concentrations of a by-product of the disinfection process called total trihalomethanes (THMs), failing to take remedial action as soon as possible, and failing to give priority to its enforcement action.
The EPA’s Remedial Action List for public water supplies is published on a quarterly basis. The most recent update relates to Q3 2021, and shows that of the 31 public water supply zones named in the Reasoned Opinion, 16 are now compliant with the THM parameters. Of the 13 private group water schemes named in the Reasoned Opinion, 3 are now compliant with the THM parameters. Irish Water and the relevant group water schemes and local authorities are working to resolve the issues at each water supply concerned as soon as possible.
