Ireland's water services infrastructure is to receive a €4.7 billion overhaul, according to the the Environment Minister.

Minister John Gormley, outlined a series of new directives, plans for a new licensing system, that will set stricter limits on discharges from waste water works.

He said: "These new regulations will form part of an overall strategy to protect the environment and improve the quality of life."

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The Environmental Protection Agency will be implementing the policy and will stipulate and enforce the conditions to ensure compliance with the new tougher standards.

Minister Gormley added: "I want to see more inspections, I want to see enforcement and if people are in breach of these regulations, I want to see the full rigours of the law applied to them."

"I am confident that these measures, among others being pursued by the government will ensure improvements in water quality in coming years."

The plan is part of the Environmental Protection Agencies drive to protect Ireland's water resources and hopes to considerably reduce discharges onto surface waters such as rivers, canals, lakes, groundwater and coastal waters.

(DW/SP)