Mr. Jerry Grant:

This is a big topic. First, we put in place the resources to deal with new connections generally. There is a team in place which is picking up on all planning referrals since 1 January in order that we are aware of planning pressures and planning applications as they arise, particularly any of those that are significant in terms of water-using activity. Through that team, we will be referred to by local authorities in terms of local development plans, regional plans, etc. When we come to make our own plans, we will take account of both regional plans and local development plans in terms of the expectation for development. In relation to the public water supply systems, our hope is to be able to keep a basic headroom in place in order that we can meet development on an ongoing basis, based on understanding capacity, availability and headroom.

The difficulties arise in smaller rural settlements which are not connected to the public system. In that context, it can be costly. Clearly, it could be beyond the scope of the public water customer to pay for the capital investment in those situations. That has been dealt with, as Deputy Coffey will be aware, through the rural water programme. The rural water programme continues to be important in terms of providing local water supplies which are beyond the scope, at least in the medium term, of the public water system.