Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2007
549 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the document on the Common Strategy on Implementation of the Water Framework Directive is being used by the relevant authorities in the implementation of the River Basin Management Plans as outlined in article 13 of the Water Framework Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35406/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Common Implementation Strategy of the Water Framework Directive is aimed at promoting coherent and harmonious implementation across Member States of the European Union. Guidance Documents — which are not legally binding — have been developed on various aspects of the Directive and provide valuable guidance on implementation. The implementation of the Directive in Ireland is co-ordinated at national level by my Department and the EPA and regard is had to the guidance available at EU level. In accordance with Article 13 of the Directive, proposals for river basin management plans are being developed by local authorities in relation to the seven river basin districts, including the three cross-border districts shared with Northern Ireland, with a view to adopting the plans in 2009. An overview report, Water Matters, which was issued in June 2007 in relation to each district, sets out the significant water management issues identified in the district and the possible measures to be taken. The reports serve as a valuable source of information to assist interested parties who may wish to participate in the development of river basin management plans. Draft plans will be issued in 2008 and will be the subject of public consultation over a period of at least six months.
