Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
407. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the recent report commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency in which evidence of antimicrobial-resistant organisms was found in Irish swimming waters; how his Department plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10303/24]
View answerThe Question does not make reference to a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report. I am assuming that the report referred to is Antimicrobial Resistance and the Environment – Sources, Persistence, Transmission and Risk Management (AREST). If this is the case, the report was published in February 2024. The findings and recommendations of the research study will be examined more closely. In particular, the implications of the research for Ireland’s National Action Plan for Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will be considered for the purpose of identifying follow up actions.
More broadly, it should be noted that primary responsibility for the monitoring, management, protection and improvement of water quality is assigned to local authorities under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts and related legislation. Since 1 January 2014, Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local level, including investment in waste water treatment plants and returning waste water safely to the environment in an efficient and sustainable manner.
