Rebecca Moynihan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is clear from the statement that we simply do not have the water infrastructure to meet housing demand and population growth. I am in agreement with Deputy Leddin. A period of 25 years is short-term thinking when it comes to something as important as water infrastructure considering that we are relying on water infrastructure that is in some cases 100 or 150 years old.

The warnings about Dublin are stark and we know from previous experience shortages can happen at any time. It is disappointing to hear about the delay in approving the business case for the midlands water supply project. A response to a parliamentary question in October last year stated that it would be considered by Government in late 2023 and early 2024. We are now halfway through 2024, and the witnesses have said it is still going through the process and will probably take another couple of months.

Can we get an indication of when Uisce Éireann expects to get approval? Has it received that information from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage? What are the delays in that Department? It is outrageous that a project we have discussed for at least ten years has not even received approval for a business case. I ask for details on the funding stage that will be required for that. I understand from the website that the next stage is going to planning and proper funding has to be in place. Are timelines attached to the funding required for the project?

While Uisce Éireann has waited for the business case to be approved, has it carried out any negotiation with landowners along the project route to determine their position and head off potential problems before it goes to planning? That has quite tight deadlines.

I refer to robustness and preparedness for extreme weather events. I am concerned about Dublin, but we know that extreme weather events are happening more frequently. Does Uisce Éireann have an extreme weather preparedness plan for water shortages in Dublin? If so, what does that involve?

I refer to delays in water connections having an effect on home completions. Senator Cummins spoke about cases in Waterford. The Irish Home Builders Association has warned that delays could affect the delivery of tens of thousands of homes in Dublin.

Back in March or April, Mr. Gleeson stated that the system capital was so overstretched that Uisce Éireann might have to refuse to connect new homes. I understand from what he just said now, however, that it will not be obliged to do that. Where is that system breakdown and blockage? Is it with local authorities, is it systems or is it people? It would be good for the committee to get an understanding of where exactly the blockage lies.