The EU has forced successive Irish Governments to protect the quality of Irish water. European legislation has demanded that the authorities in Ireland ensure reductions in pollution, a reliable supply of good quality surface water, protected aquatic ecosystems and that water is used wisely and not wasted.

Water is a precious resource that is essential to good health and economic wellbeing. It also plays a critical role in regulating climate. Without the force and power of EU legislation Irish water quality would be far more seriously threatened than at present. The contamination being experienced in some areas of the country would be many times worse.

Europe has given us a coherent framework of water protection legislation that is guided by Technical Advisory Groups. Ireland’s participation in Europe allows us to benefit from the valuable research undertaken by these advisory groups – research and experience that a single country could never hope to attain.

However, legislation alone is not enough to protect this priceless resource. Effective management systems and controls must also be put in place. The current structure of the European Union is lacking in this regard. There is no EU wide reporting mechanism for breaches of water quality legislation. There is nowhere to go to find the number of prosecutions taken and the success rate of these legal actions. It is impossible to assess how one country compares with another and how effective water protection measures are.

Reform of the European Union as outlined in the Lisbon Treaty is vital to ensure that reporting structures can be put in place. This will allow comparison and assessment on the success of various measures. EU states can learn from one another and greater transparency will ensure increased protection and continuation of water supply.

Just as breaches of drink driving legislation are published in Ireland each year, giving an indication of how effective the legislation is, breaches of water quality legislation must be published throughout the EU too. Coordinated enforcement and practice is necessary and this will be made possible by The Lisbon Treaty. The treaty will increase the power of legislation and directives by enhancing participation between member states.

A Yes vote will ensure the speedy establishment of reporting structures within the bodies charged with the implementation of water quality directives. Reform of the European institution in an enlarged Europe is vital to ensure that all countries play their part in protecting our water supplies. Water quality is vital for the future of the EU. This issue transcends political boundaries just as rivers, lakes and oceans know no borders.