€5bn to be spent improving water and sewerage system

Minister for the Environment Dick Roche has announced details of a €5bn spending package to improve water and sewerage infrastructure nationwide.

Mr Roche said the money would be spent over the next two years on almost 900 schemes nationwide, some of which are already underway.

He said he was also increasing the level of grants available to local authorities for fixing leaks in water mains.

At present, up to 50% of the drinking water produced in treatment plans is lost through leaking pipes.