The implementation of the Water Framework Directive requires an integrated approach to the management of our water resources. The Directive requires the achievement of good ecological status in all our surface and ground waters and inspection and monitoring activities are a critical element in the efforts to protect and improve water quality. Primary responsibility for water quality inspections lies with the EPA and with the local authorities. The EPA, for example, is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations and the European Communities (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations. Local authorities are charged with implementing a diverse range of environmental legislation for the protection of water including the issue of discharge permits in accordance with the Water Pollution Acts, the supervision of drinking water group schemes and maintaining the quality of bathing waters.
However, pressures on water quality are diverse and stem from many different sectors and activities and, where appropriate, other agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine also play a key role. The EPA co-ordinates a national Environmental Enforcement Network (EEN) which oversees enforcement priorities. The aim of the network is to promote a consistent, coordinated approach to enforcement in order to improve overall compliance. It brings together my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the local authorities, Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Health Services Executive and its activities include, inter alia, the promotion of best practice through guidance and training as well as the coordination of inspection and enforcement activities. The EPA also promotes a risk-based approach to the enforcement of environmental legislation including in the area of wastewater discharge authorisations and drinking water quality. Such an approach optimises the use of resources on the ground, facilitates the prioritisation of enforcement effort and improves outcome delivery.
The role of Irish Water will be to undertake a range of water services functions that are currently the responsibility of local authorities. An implementation strategy for Irish Water is being developed and this will address matters such as the boundary between Irish Water functions and those remaining with local authorities, as well as activities which will be carried out through service level agreements.
