Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
682. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will detail the reason for the delay in adopting the third-cycle 2022-2027 River Basin Management Plan for Ireland; the date he expects the final plan to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12841/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with a key commitment in the Programme for Government, a new revised and strengthened River Basin Management Plan will outline the national policies and high-level goals that will protect and restore our natural waters and will advance Ireland’s implementation of the Water Framework Directive.
My Department is currently finalising the third River Basin Management Plan for Ireland. The process has entailed intensive consultation with Government Departments and other stakeholders in order to determine the measures that are appropriate to both protect and restore our water quality. The Plan will be published in the coming months following the completion of an Appropriate Assessment in accordance with the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) and the Strategic Environmental Assessment under Directive 2001/42/EC.
