Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2010
33 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the manner in which water investment and services are delivered is efficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2503/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraGood progress has been made in recent years by local authorities in the provision and management of water services in their areas. This progress has been possible through high levels of investment coupled with new legislation on the supervision and enforcement of drinking water standards in public water supplies and the licensing of wastewater treatment plants.
There is an ongoing need to expand and improve our water and wastewater treatment capacity to ensure compliance with environmental standards and ECJ judgments, to anticipate future economic and social development needs and to ensure investment decisions reflect other national priorities such as the National Spatial Strategy. These issues have been central to the assessment of needs for water services infrastructure in their areas that I asked local authorities to undertake in recent months. These assessments will inform the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, which I will publish early this year.
In addition, my Department is currently undertaking a Value for Money Study in relation to the efficiency and effectiveness of delivery of the Water Services Investment Programme as part of the Government's Value for Money Reviews for 2009-2011. The outcome of this study will also influence the implementation of future water services investment programmes.
