Vol. 500 No. 7
324 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to alleviate the current water supply crisis in Dublin city and Fingal; and his views on whether £500 million, at least, is necessary to implement a safe and secure water strategy for over one million people in the greater Dublin region by 2011. [4793/99]
My Department's priorities for future investment in water supplies to serve the Dublin region are guided by the strategy set out in the greater Dublin water supply strategic study. This study has made a series of recommendations aimed at ensuring that the demand for water will be met and that satisfactory levels of service and standards will be complied with over the next 20 years. The study indicates that the total capital investment required to implement the recommended works over the period is in the order of £489-£566 million – 1996 prices. A copy of the study is available in the Library.
A major investment programme has been put in place to ensure that the needs of the expanding Dublin area can be met. The programme consists of the expansion of the Leixlip water treatment works, a major water conservation programme and a number of other major projects to upgrade and refurbish treatment works, reservoirs and the distribution system. The expansion of the Leixlip works will add significant extra capacity to Dublin's water supply from next June onwards but will result in supply disruptions in certain areas in the meantime as part of the process of bringing it on line. Consumers will be kept aware of the position through notices in the media.
