Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 1997

Vol. 484 No. 3

Written Answers. - Water Supply Systems.

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

258 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to implement the new EU directive on water quality; the financial provision, if any, he will make towards the cost of upgrading our water supply systems to comply with this directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21997/97]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

I presume the question refers to the proposed revision of the Drinking Water Directive (80/778/EEC) upon which there was political agreement at the Environment Council on 16 October 1997.

The proposal provides for a greater focus on the protection of human health through a rationalisation of parameters covered by the existing directive into those which (i) are health-related or a good indicator of likely health implications and (ii) have Community-wide relevance. Quality standards have been reviewed in the light of scientific and technical developments since the original Directive was adopted and revised standards or new requirements put forward, where appropriate. Generally existing standards remain unchanged. We have a record of overall satisfactory compliance with these, especially in relation to public supplies.

The most significant change in standards relates to the lead parameter and the position in this regard was outlined in the reply to question No. 268 of 25 November 1997.

My Department is pursuing a programme of substantial capital investment in upgrading and providing water supply schemes to cater for demands generally and ensure compliance with the quality standards of the drinking water directive. Estimated expenditure on major schemes since 1994 has totalled almost £190 million. A total of £184.6 million will be available for my Department's water and sewerage investment programme in 1998, an increase of £34 million, or 22 per cent in the 1997 provision for these services. This will facilitate increased activity under the programme in respect of water supply schemes and in addressing inadequacies in rural water programmes.

A range of measures was introduced by my Department earlier this year to deal with water quality problems in poorly treated or untreated private group and small private supplies. Measures include grant assistance for new group water schemes, the upgrading and taking in charge of existing group schemes and grants to householders to install or upgrade private piped supplies. Approximately £20 million will be spent on these measures in 1997 and provision has been made for further expenditure in my Department's 1998 Estimates.