I thank the Deputy very much for raising what is a very important issue for the area of Kanturk - an area that the Deputy is exceptionally passionate about. The operation of public wastewater treatment, together with the operational issues locally, are matters for Uisce Éireann, which has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services, planning, delivery and operational at national, regional and local levels. Neither the Minister, Deputy Browne, nor I have a function in the matters which the Deputy refers. However, that being said, I have made inquiries with Uisce Éireann on foot of the Deputy's Topical Issue being submitted. I have been informed that there are, obviously, capacity constraints on the wastewater treatment plant at Kanturk. This is currently under review. Any proposed development requires engagement with Uisce Éireann to assess feasibility on a case-by-case basis. In other words, connection applications need to be assessed on an individual basis considering their specific load requirements. Engagement with Uisce Éireann’s connections and developer services team ahead of planning a project is recommended and required. Uisce Éireann recognises the need to enhance wastewater treatment capacity in Kanturk and a planned upgrade is under way. This project is currently at the strategic assessment stage, where Uisce Éireann develops the project rationale and objectives, project outcomes, lists of potential options and an indicative range of costs. This work will continue in 2026 as the project progresses to a preliminary business case, which should be completed by quarter 1 of 2027. This involves undertaking a detailed analysis, developing a shortlist of solutions and finding a preferred option for the shortlisted projects. That should be achievable in a shorter period of time. I will take that back to Uisce Éireann because the Deputy is correct. We cannot have a situation where we cannot have development in an area. The Deputy said it is not acceptable or sustainable and I agree with him in relation to that. There may be elements of bridging infrastructure that may be possible. I also point to the new developer-led wastewater services infrastructure initiative, which took effect on 4 March 2026. This might be an option for housing development in the interim. This developer-led infrastructure enables developers to design and construct wastewater infrastructure, in conjunction with Uisce Éireann, to agreed standards with the infrastructure owned by Uisce Eireann upon completion. In areas such as Kanturk where capacity is currently constrained, an application under the developer-led infrastructure initiative may provide a pathway to support development in advance of planned network upgrades, subject to meeting the relevant technical, environmental and planning requirements. Uisce Éireann is available to engage with developers at an early stage to assess proposals and support the progression of suitable projects. Uisce Éireann has made investments in upgrading wastewater treatment infrastructure across County Cork since 2014 and remains committed to doing so under the future investment plans, which the Government has funded under the national development plan to the tune of €11.7 billion. This investment is going to support the delivery of key projects in cities and regions to deliver additional water services capacity for the new housing targets. That is what we expect Uisce Éireann to do with the capital allocations that we have made as a Government.

Sentiment score: 0.17

There is no question that our water and wastewater systems require substantial and sustained investment over a number of cycles to be able to bring it up to the quality required for a modern service. On the upgrading of plants, there have been many plants across the county that have been upgraded over the past number of years. I compliment Uisce Éireann for its work in that respect. However, there is a hell of a lot more work to be done. That is why the Government is investing record sums of money in Uisce Éireann. The Deputy mentioned points on bridging infrastructure, the piece that I mentioned around the developer-led infrastructure, and of course, there is the overall upgrade of the plant, which is necessary. In the interim, as the Deputy rightly pointed out, there may be options worth exploring. I will take it away from this Topical Issue debate to write formally to Uisce Éireann in that respect to see what may be done in the interim period. I recognise that a town of the nature of Kanturk and many equivalent towns right across the country have to be able to be developed if we are to achieve our housing targets. It is one of the reasons we have introduced that developer-led infrastructure initiative and are learning from the mistakes of the past where substandard infrastructure was put in place. There is now a very clear framework that is in place between Uisce Éireann and the EPA that projects would be delivered to a set standard and specification and on completion will be taken in charge and operated in perpetuity by Uisce Éireann. That may be an option. I thank the Deputy for raising this matter.

Sentiment score: 0.10

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter in the House today. As the Deputy knows, the Land Development Agency, LDA, acquired land beside Clongriffin train station from the market with existing permission in 2023. It subsequently sought and was granted approval for a revised planning application, broadly similar to the existing planning which took into account the new objectives and policies in Dublin City Council's development plan 2022-2028. The development on the site has an overall potential for more than 2,000 homes upon full completion. Construction of Phase 1 commenced in February 2025 and will provide for a total of 408 apartments, comprising 367 cost rental and 41 social housing homes to be delivered across two blocks. I note the Deputy said there is a deficit in community infrastructure but my notes say that in addition to the much-needed homes, a créche to cater for up to 99 children, together with community and arts space, along with landscaped public areas and a new public park, are also planned for delivery within this phase of the development. The Land Development Agency has advised officials in my Department that phase 1 of this project is on course for delivery of new homes from quarter 4 of this year, which is obviously a positive development. Subject to planning permission, which is the thrust of the Deputy’s Topical Issue this morning, phase 2 will see the delivery of over 700 new homes. My understanding is that will comprise of 630 affordable and 70 social units across a whole range of housing typologies, together with the provision of a second créche space and other cultural amenities. I understand that the commercial focus during this phase will be the strategic distribution of amenities, such as retail and other services across Main Street, Market Street and Station Square, and consolidating activities around Station Square to create a real town focal point, providing for both day and night-time uses. Furthermore, the Land Development Agency is also advancing engagements with Dublin City Council and other agencies on the provision of consolidated multi-purpose community space for the Clongriffin area, to be delivered in phase 3 of this scheme. As noted previously, the development of this site has an overall potential for more than 2,000 homes and its completion will assist in meeting our housing need in this part of north Dublin, the Deputy’s constituency, which I know he represents with distinction. I am assured the Land Development Agency will continue to prioritise the delivery of the much-needed social and affordable housing, along with the provision of the other amenities on this site. However, I note some of the Deputy’s comments regarding the engagement, which I will perhaps take up in my follow-on.

Sentiment score: 0.17

I thank the Deputy. Obviously, the successful delivery of projects of this scale are certainly dependent on a number of factors and that includes engagement with the community. Certainly, I know the Deputy would have written to his colleague, the Minister, Deputy Browne, in this respect and I am informed that there has been consultation meetings which have included meetings with local councillors, drop-in clinics for members of the public, meetings held with the community association there, as well as engagement with Oireachtas Members and Dublin City Council. I take the Deputy's point as regards the meaningful nature of that and trying to shape the community and plans that are required and obviously meeting the needs of the community in the area. The Deputy mentioned the scout group. Having been involved in scouts all my life, I understand the needs but I also understand that scouting organisations, by their nature, are well able to adapt. In my days in scouting, we were in a very small area. That being said, I understand the need for community facilities. Créches are obviously important for a growing community like this one which has the potential for 2,000 homes. However, I will take back the Deputy's comment to the Minister who engages with the LDA on a regular basis. It is important when we are developing new communities of scale that we get it right and that we learn from issues of the past. Certainly, the Deputy, as an Oireachtas Government representative, Deputy Ó Muirí and others will continue to engage on this matter.

Sentiment score: 0.37