Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 30 May 1991

Vol. 409 No. 3

Written Answers. - Water Export Trade.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

56 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the scarcity of good quality water which is in compliance with EC Directives on water standards in some parts of the Community, his Department or any research institute connected to his Department have undertaken any work in investigating the feasibility of developing an Irish water export trade having regard to the increasing cost of good quality water and its scarcity in parts of the polluted industrial northern hemisphere as well as in regions such as Turkey, Israel and the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley)

Córas Tráchtála, who are responsible for general export promotion, have informed me that they are not undertaking current research into the feasibility of bulk water exports from this country. In the late seventies CTT did examine the feasibility of exporting water in bulk to the Middle East. Their conclusion at that time was that it was not a feasible proposition due to cost considerations.

Córas Tráchtála have undertaken extensive research for bottled drinking water in the United States and European markets. It is estimated that exports of bottled water to these markets in 1990 amounted to approximately £4 million.