Mr. Douglas Kelly:

Good afternoon Chair and members of the committee. I thank the committee for the invitation to the Department to contribute to the discussion on the proposed community water connection for Cleragh, Kiltimagh, County Mayo.

I am the principal officer in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with responsibility for the rural water unit within the water division of the Department. As the Chair mentioned, I am joined by my colleague Mr. Varley, assistant principal officer, who is head of operations in the rural water unit. I propose to limit my comments to the rural water programme which is under the remit of the Department and as they relate to the issue in question. I will not be in a position to speak on issues relating to Mayo County Council or Uisce Éireann directly.

State investment in water services is provided for in the national development plan and, in practice, is primarily delivered by Uisce Éireann. As set out in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future, the Government is committed to continue investment in our rural communities. In addition, and in line with Government policy objectives, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage continues to invest in water and wastewater infrastructure to support the development of our rural communities. The Department recognises that investment in water services is a key requirement to help to sustain our rural areas and improve the quality of life of our people.