Mr. Fintan Towey:

The Department undertook a study in 2017-2018 with regard to housing estates where there were issues regarding being taken in charge. That quantified the overall number of estates at that point as being 914. Something in the order of half of these could potentially be candidates for connection to the Uisce Éireann system. For the balance, alternative approaches would be necessary. On the funding scheme we have in place, we have given allocations, which means approval in principle, over the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. The allocation was €8 million in 2020, €4 million in 2021 and €7 million in 2022. It is recognised that these are legacy issues that need to be resolved so ultimately the necessary funding will have to be found over time. We are moving forward on a prioritised basis. It is the local authorities that identify the priorities for resolution and the paths to resolution in the first instance.