142. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the initiative to allow builders and private developers to construct wastewater treatment facilities for smaller housing developments; when the new regulations will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5315/26]

Sentiment score: 0.08

I am looking for an update on the initiatives to allow builders and private developers to construct wastewater treatment facilities for smaller housing developments, and on when the new regulations will come into effect.

Sentiment score: 0.23

I warmly welcome the Minister's announcement on 4 November that there will now be a key role for the private sector in developing wastewater treatment plants. This obviously means there will be a huge increase in the number of houses and, more importantly, there will be more affordable houses brought through to fruition. I fully understand there will be strict regulations and compliance required and I also welcome that Uisce Éireann will take charge afterwards but can the Minister clarify who will pay for this infrastructure? There are also over 400 sites in Ireland where Uisce Éireann specifications were previously not met and now the owners of these houses are being left to fend for themselves. Can the Minister reassure us that this situation will not be repeated, as the only ones who lose out here are the residents? I also note that there is a restriction to 40 homes. Can the Minister confirm if these numbers can be revisited?

Sentiment score: 0.17

I thank the Minister. I cannot over-emphasise the importance of this new proposed change to the regulations to allow the private sector to develop its own wastewater treatment systems. Recently I visited villages such as Camolin, which the Minister knows well, and Aughrim in my constituency. These are two typical examples of towns that have simply been stopped in their tracks due to lack of wastewater capacity. This is having a detrimental effect on the social fabric of these towns and villages and this has been replicated right throughout Ireland. Already we can see school numbers dwindling. The GAA is struggling to get under-age teams and businesses in these towns are finding it very difficult to survive. The Minister’s plans will bring a new lease of life to many towns and villages. I urge that the implementation of these new regulations be seen as a Government priority. I would really like some confirmation of a timeline.

Sentiment score: -0.02