Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)

I thank Uisce Éireann and the ESB for coming in. We know there is a lack of investment in and delivery of critical infrastructure for housing. This has been building up for years. What do the witnesses think needs to change to ensure that critical infrastructure - water and electricity - does not delay or limit housing development?

The second question is to both organisations, but Uisce Éireann in particular. It has been said that we could be facing a situation in two or three years’ time where further growth in Dublin essentially will not be possible. When do the witnesses believe that point will arrive where no more housing can be delivered in Dublin because of water and wastewater deficits? Is it three months’ time, six months’ time or a year’s time? At what point will the witnesses need to say that housing will not be able to be connected from then on? How close are we to the point where further housing will not be able to be developed in Dublin or around the country because they do not have the water and wastewater there? Do they think there is a policy and political recognition of the emergency we face in respect of this critical infrastructure, particularly water but also electricity and connections?

What impact does the lack of clarity on funding allocation mean in terms of that?

I also have a question for the ESB. Will competing demand from, say, data centres have an impact on housing delivery?