117 Mr. Callanan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of waste water schemes built since 1997 to date in 2006; the expenditure involved in providing this infrastructure; and the environmental improvements which have resulted. [42629/06]

153 Mr. Carty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of waste water schemes built since 1997 to date in 2006; the expenditure allocated to provide this infrastructure; the number of people who have benefited nationwide and in County Mayo; the environmental benefit of such schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter which has resulted. [42634/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 153 together.

224 wastewater schemes have been completed since 1997 under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme at an Exchequer cost of €2.3bn. These schemes have provided additional wastewater treatment capacity equivalent to the needs of a population of 3.3 million, including a population equivalent of some 64,000 in County Mayo.

There has been clear progress in relation to the protection and improvement of environmental standards. This progress includes:

an increase in compliance with the requirements of the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive from 25% in 2000 to 90% now: all remaining schemes necessary for full compliance with the Directive are included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007

a reduction in the pollutant load from municipal discharges to rivers, lakes and seas of 45,000 tonnes per annum in a period of unprecedented economic growth

an increase from 67% to 70% in the length of unpolluted river channel between 1997 and 2003: this represents the first reversal of a downward decline that had persisted for decades

more Blue Flag beaches: in 2006, 81 Blue Flags were awarded to Irish bathing areas: this is the highest number ever, and compares with 70 in 1997

massive investment and rapid progress in the elimination of substandard drinking water supplies in the group scheme sector.

These achievements will continue to be built on throughout the term of the next National Development Plan 2007 to 2013.