A new study launched today to examine how waste water is treated will help determine spending and policy, the Department of the Environment has said.
The two-year study, entitled the National Urban Waste Water Study, involved the collection, collation,
Minister for the Environment, Dick Roche
mapping and analysis of urban drainage systems and included an assessment of future waste water requirements.
Speaking at the launch the Minister for the Environment, Dick Roche, said the study "will make a significant contribution to the improved management of that infrastructure and to the delivery of an effective and efficient water service."
Mr Roche added that Ireland is "now well placed to meet the targets set in the European Union Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, having increased our compliance rate from 25 per cent in 2,000 to 90 per cent at the end of 2004."
170 urban drainage catchments with population equivalents over 2,000 outside the Dublin area were examined in the study.
Among the key concerns in the study mentioned included the availability of data, the need for additional survey work and the need for upgrading to meet increased demand.
"A first class waste water infrastructure is an essential prerequisite of a modern economy and will facilitate future economic development, protect our natural environment and maintain our quality waterways," Mr Roche conlcuded.
