510 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the position on proposals to privatise or semi-privatise the water supply system in the Dublin area through a public private partnership; and if he will respond to the concerns of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [26434/01]

Public private partnership projects are being advanced in accordance with the framework agreement for the implementation of public private partnerships under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. This framework was developed in conjunction with the social partners.

Dublin Corporation is currently examining proposals to expand the capacity of the Ballymore Eustace water treatment works. In this connection, the corporation is considering a range of public private partnership options, with the public sector retaining ownership of the assets in all cases.