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Minister Finneran Opens the 3rd National Advisory Council Conference - 18th September 2008.

18/09/08

Mr. Michael Finneran, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, today (18 September 2008) opened the National Advisory Council Conference at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny. This conference was organised jointly by the South Eastern River Basin District and the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN).

The Conference explored the benefits to local communities from good water quality and how it enhances their quality of life. It aimed to show the benefits of sustainably managed and well protected water resources as well as outlining some of the pressures that are on our water resources.

Minister Finneran referred to the many pressures on our water resources, and stated that in “in the face of these pressures, it is important that we take a determined and well planned approach to managing and protecting our waters”.  He acknowledged the importance of the Water Framework Directive in providing a structured and well planned approach. Draft River Basin Management Plans are due for publication in December 2008, and Minister Finneran highlighted that the subsequent six month public consultation will be a vital stage noting that the the involvement of the public would help to raise awareness of the challenges that face our water environment. 

Minister Finneran also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Advisory Councils in the public participation process. The Councils provide a crucial forum for direct dialogue and interaction between interested parties and relevant public authorities. He also acknowledged that the role of these Advisory Councils will become increasingly important as we draw closer to the adoption and implementation of the River Basin Management Plans.
 
The Minister emphasised the commitment of the Government to dealing with water quality, and in particular he highlighted the resources that have been invested in waste water treatment through the Water Services investment Programme. The estimated overall value for the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 is €3.2 billion.

ENDS

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