Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy had nine hours last week to give his side of the story. Give me a chance to handle the Estimates. This year, we will spend €240 million on major capital works. There is a carry-over from last year relating to unfinished projects. That money must be spent, but Irish Water will deal with those projects. It will publish its public capital programme for water and sewerage schemes at the end of next month. We will see the colour of its money and what it can afford to do then. However, it faces significant issues. Irish Water has all of the assets now, but not all of them are in good shape. It is trying to find temporary and permanent solutions in that regard. Equally, Irish Water has all of the liabilities that used to lie with local authorities. This is a major undertaking, for which reason it needs asset management systems. They cannot be set up using fresh air.

The rural water programme will remain with local authorities. As with previous years, directors of services will issue a call for submissions, which will be evaluated. The Minister of the day will announce the allocations to be devolved to local authorities. Nothing has changed. This amounts to €28 million.