Mr. Conor O'Connell:

We have to see the detail of the proposals this morning. They are very welcome because they provide a solution for a large number of rural and small urban settlements. If we are to deliver 50,000 or 60,000 units per annum, we will need them to be delivered right across Ireland. The Senator is right. We have to see the detail but it seems it could be a very practical solution.

On cost levelling and subsidisation, in Uisce Éireann's capital framework plan, as I understand it, there will be €300 million for rural and regional settlement areas. Maybe that €300 million could be assigned to making facilities more viable in those areas where otherwise development could not take place. Again, we would have to see the detail.