River Boyne Task Force Bill 2023: Second Stage [Private Members]
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-22
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Kieran O'Donnell (FG), Limerick City

The third water action plan has given us a solid blueprint for how we can build and evolve our ambition for the next cycle.
The next water action plan will build upon the water I have outlined here today. We will again look to deliver on integrated multiple policy objectives for water, biodiversity and climate wherever possible. This integrated approach will deliver gains for our water quality and ensure that we can deliver the right measures in the right places.
Public consultation on significant water management issues for the fourth water framework directive cycle was launched in December last. This public consultation is intended to help identify the issues that the fourth water action plan will seek to address and is an important opportunity for the public to express their views on what our priorities should be.
As I highlighted, the Bill would impact the functions of local authorities and appears to overlap with provisions already in place through existing legislation without any clarity on how these proposals would bring added benefit to the Boyne catchment. I assure the public that the Government is working to address the issues highlighted here today and is fully committed to protecting water quality nationwide. I note the points that both Deputies have raised and they are issues the Department and Government will take on board, but we are opposing the Bill on the basis that we believe it could be counterproductive to what is an overall national policy, which will impact on the Boyne as well.
We have made very good progress in the water sector in the last number of years. Additional funding has been provided to Uisce Éireann, governance has been strengthened, programmes have been put in place and measures have been implemented that will be targeted locally to deliver positive environment outcomes.
After detailed and careful consideration, the Government has decided to oppose this Bill, as it would be counterproductive to the work that has already been undertaken in the River Boyne, as many of the proposals in the Bill are already in place. However, we take on board the points that have been raised by the Deputies. The Minister, Deputy Browne, encourages those who have contributed to the Bill to continue to engage fully with the structures and processes already put in place to manage and protect catchments, such as the Boyne.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-01-22/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:32+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-22