Further period of consultation on water reform

The NIO have announced a further period of consultation on the Government's proposals for the reform of water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland.

Minister of State, John Spellar, said: "I have today published for public consultation an Integrated Impact Assessment on the various proposals for the reform of water and sewerage services, which I have announced over recent months."

The Minister said the Integrated Impact Assessment analyses how the emerging policy proposals align with the Government's wider policy objectives as well as its statutory obligations. The consultation document includes an assessment of the impacts of the various elements of the Water Reform Programme in respect of equality of opportunity, on businesses and the rural community.

The Government considers it essential that the Water Reform Programme moves forward when the consultation period ends on Friday, March 4, 2005.

Mr Spellar added: "We are seeking to achieve an early return of devolved government, so that locally elected Ministers can address the challenges of the reform agenda. It is, however, vital that we continue the work necessary to enable the delivery of efficient and effective water and sewerage services, at a fair and affordable price, and without depriving other public services of necessary funding. Delay would impose costs on the Northern Ireland budget that we naturally want to avoid."

A 14 week period for consultation on the Integrated Impact Assessment has been set, ahead of the publication of legislation to implement the final package of reforms during the first half of 2005.

The Minister encouraged all to "consider very carefully" the detailed evidence and analysis presented in this documentation.

Views received will be examined before draft legislation for Water Reform is prepared in early 2005.

(SP)