We have been informed that Irish Water is to receive the biggest investment in public infrastructure in the history of the State. That is obviously very welcome. I have been calling for many years, as a councillor and since being elected as a TD for Kerry, for constructed wetlands to be built in our towns and villages. Over 40 of our villages in Kerry are unsewered. Many more are at capacity. Constructed wetlands are quick and efficient and are a much cheaper and easy way to install a system of treating wastewater without the prolonged time of planning and construction. I believe they are the way to go. In the more populated areas, we can put in two or three constructed wetlands. They are environmentally friendly and are one way of sorting our housing crisis in the medium term. I mentioned there are 40 villages unsewered. In Beaufort, for example, there was €6 million announced for the Beaufort sewerage scheme over two years ago. That was increased recently to €7 million. I have been informed by Irish Water that it will take another seven years before that is up and running. It is far too long. Constructed wetlands are the way to go. I mentioned that some of them are at capacity. My village, Glenbeigh, is at capacity. We recently opened the first completed section of the south Kerry greenway. Huge numbers are using it, which is great to see. Glenbeigh is not greenway-ready, however. I had two planning clients seeking to build hotels specifically for the greenway but they will not get planning permission because there is no treatment system there. There are many such villages across the county, such as Castlegregory, Portmagee, Scartaglen and Cromane. I could go on forever listing them. We need to start investing. Is it a matter for the local authority to apply to the Government or Uisce Éireann for funding for these constructed wetlands or will a specific scheme be announced by Irish Water and invitations then put out?

Sentiment score: 0.07