€5 billion to be spent on water infrastructure

THE development of a new national water and sewage infrastructure will see the Government spend more than €5bn by the end of 2007, Environment Minister Dick Roche said yesterday.

Announcing details of the Water Services Investment Programme in Dublin, Minister Roche said 899 new schemes would be completed within two years, 193 of which are set to begin next year.

Minister Roche also promised less red tape, while local authorities can apply for 90% grants to repair damaged water mains.