Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh:

I thank the Deputy. The presentation from the managing director of Irish Water was very clear about how Irish Water has facilitated housing development. The vast majority of connection requests are facilitated. The development of significant infrastructure is a complex process in terms of planning, design, procurement, environmental impact assessments, rights of access to environmental law, rights to take a judicial review and so on. All of those elements come into play.

Irish Water has a very strong record in delivery once the Government provides the capital resources to invest in the company. It has been very agile in making that investment and it continues to do so. I was privileged to be at the opening of the Cork lower harbour drainage scheme that the Taoiseach opened a couple of weeks ago. Tens of old sewers were pouring untreated water in Cork harbour and they have all been cleaned up, dealt with and the water is being treated to a higher environmental standard. Irish Water is delivering value for money with the taxpayers' investment and it will continue to do so. That does not mean pinch points will not arise at particular locations at particular times. I note the comments of the Construction Industry Federation but the record indicates Irish Water has been very successful in supporting housing development and will continue to do so.

The investment to be delivered by the Government to Irish Water next year will again be a significant increase on this year. The Government has committed €4.5 billion under Housing for All for Irish Water by 2025 and that will make a significant contribution. With other delays, I know people are looking at issues with the planning system to see if it can be made more effective. That work would apply equally to Irish Water as any other sector or industry. This Bill does not deal with such matters.