Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 May 2014
111. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount that has been spent on water mains rehabilitation, to repair leaks and to replace pipes for each of the past six years including to date in 2014. [19638/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013 built on the investment which had taken place on water conservation in previous programmes. In total, over €290 million was spent by my Department on water conservation measures between 2003 and 2013. Annual expenditure by my Department on water conservation for the past six years up to the end of 2013 under the various Water Services Investment Programmes is as follows: €30.7 million was spent in 2008; €27.2 million in 2009; €37.7 million in 2010; €39.9 million in 2011; €39.3 million in 2012 and finally €43.5 million in 2013. This gives an overall total spend by my Department of over €218 million in the period 2008 – 2013.
Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. This includes water mains rehabilitation to repair leaks and to replace pipes in the public water supply. Irish Water is currently preparing a Capital Investment Plan for 2014 – 2016 that will provide for the transition of projects included in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013. The further progression and funding of all water services capital projects, including those for water conservation , is now a matter for Irish Water.
Irish Water as confirmed to my Department that it has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
