7. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has undertaken a review of utility infrastructure deficits in rural towns and villages; how these deficits are currently limiting the delivery of rural housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36137/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

Is the Department undertaking a review of utility infrastructure deficits in rural towns and villages and on how such deficits are currently limiting delivery of rural housing? Will the Minister make a statement on that?

Sentiment score: 0.00

I appreciate the reply but I want to give an example of a rural town in my area. Edenderry has a population of 8,000 and is within commuting distance of Dublin. Towns within its environs have grown, yet there will be no development from Uisce Éireann there until 2029. There is a key issue whereby theory and practice are not aligned. Offaly County Council referred to the delivery of wastewater capacity, as did Irish Water, and now Uisce Éireann is referring to the delivery of wastewater capacity by 2029. First and foremost, I would like reassurance from the Minister of State that there will be delivery. How are we holding Uisce Éireann accountable where it is not delivering?

Sentiment score: 0.09

I welcome the developer-led initiative, but a viability element has to be taken into consideration. Where developers are expected to provide an interim measure, Uisce Éireann has to engage and liaise with them to ensure that it remains economically viable for them to do so. The Uisce Éireann website is not developer friendly. The capacity register on the website provides an option of green or red. I firmly believe that lacks transparency and clarity. Where something is green, there should be identifiable measurements on the numbers for development. Where it is red, we should have a date and timeframe for development. That indicative capacity outline needs to be there to let developers know where they can build and seize an opportunity. One question that Uisce Éireann should be able to answer, and quite frankly I do not believe it is, is what it will deliver next year in connections. I appreciate that other factors come into play but what are its current capacity and current resources to provide connections this year or next year?

Sentiment score: 0.17