Mr. Noel Byrne:

There are 13 agglomerations on our priority list that still have to achieve compliance. We are told that Ringsend will achieve compliance by mid-2023. From the plant's perspective, Arklow will be 2025. That should be the last treatment plant to reach compliance. Networks may take a bit longer. Currently, a drainage area plan assessment is being undertaken in respect of a number of them. It will take some time to complete. It will identify the actions that are needed to ensure that all of the sewage is collected in compliance with Article 3 of the directive. All of the details in respect of those sites are on the priority action list on our website. If the Deputy wants more specifics on any site, he will find them there.

The Deputy's second question was on the progress being made with our priority areas list. As he rightly stated, it contained 113 priority areas last year. In 2017, that figure was 148. It is now down to 97. Since 2017, a third of sites have come off the list. That is good progress. However, we are seeing issues on the list. For example, there are significant delays at a number of sites, particularly those dealing with raw sewage. By 2023, 28 were meant to have achieved treatment. Due to the past 12 months, that target is now down to just 14. The delays are causing a significant knock-on effect. There are 29 agglomerations on the list that we do not yet have plans for and that are not included in the current investment plan. These cover areas where there is pressure on water quality. We want to see Irish Water putting plans in place for these agglomerations so that, as Deputy O'Donoghue mentioned, the general public can see the timeframes for when the issues will be addressed.