1569. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to fund improving water quality, including in rivers and lakes, in Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57352/26]

Funding under my Department’s Water Quality Programme supports initiatives to protect and restore water quality, particularly those associated with the implementation of, and compliance with, the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), and implementation of the Ireland’s River Basin Management Plan, the Water Action Plan 2024, including programmes provided by key stakeholders. The allocation of funding for the Water Quality Programme for 2027 will be determined after Budget 2027 which is scheduled to be announced on 6 October.