Ireland's Water Programme History

Water Services Investment

On 19th April 2010, the then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government John Gormley, published the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 (WSIP). This €1.8 Bn programme prioritises projects that meet with EU environmental compliance issues, for example standards in drinking water and wastewater treatment. Water conservation is also a central concern as it is estimated that in parts of the country over 50% of the water supply is lost due to leakages. The first review of the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012: (Review 2011) was published by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Mr Phil Hogan TD on 7th July 2011.

In 2010, thrity-eight contracts were commenced, including waste water treatment plants in Tullamore, Co Offaly, and Portrane/Donabate/Rusk/Lusk in Fingal. A water sewerage scheme in Tuam, Co Galway, was also commenced. From January to July 2011, twelve contracts with a value of €27m were approved to commence construction, including a €15m funding for water treatment projects in Galway. However, it is expected that over sixty contracts will commence construction by the end of 2011. Details of the progress of the WSIP to July 2011 are available in the Review 2011.

Projects commenced since 2011

The previous Minister, Phil Hogan, approved three further projects since July 2011. These included major water conservation works in Limerick City estimated at €5.5m , the Wexford Mains Rehabilitation Project estimated at €1.15m, and approval for the Tender Documents for the Design, Build and Operate (DBO) Contract of the Laois Grouped Towns Sewerage Scheme estimated at over €15m. Continued progress on the WSIP 2010-2012 is available on the website of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

In addition, in 2013 a European Investment Bank loan of €200 million was approved to support improvements in Ireland’s Water Services Investment Programme, by financing 23 projects in Dublin and 10 counties around the country. It will provide new water mains, water and wastewater treatment facilities and reservoirs, as well as measures to improve water conservation. The water investment initiative also includes replacement of over 300km of old water mains in Dublin City, South Tipperary, Galway and Limerick. In addition the project will increase drinking water supply through two new reservoirs in Kerry and North Tipperary.

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