Mr. John Brannigan:

I will do so, and I will also touch on a few other points. With regard to the energy retrofit we are carrying €10,000 or €11,000 per unit. The Department's guidelines are to achieve a B2 energy rating. To do this we install heat pumps but for the heat pump to be efficient we need to replace windows and doors and do insulation works. This drives up the cost from what the Department approves.

Having a vacant homes officer in place is very important. We welcome the position and the funding for it. The vacant homes officer engages with local media and will attend the next full council meeting to brief the members on what schemes are available and to raise further awareness.

Senator Carrigy referred to infrastructure in Edgeworthstown and Ballymahon. The infrastructure upgrades for wastewater plants in both towns are the responsibility of Irish Water. Ballymahon is at stage one and the process has started. Edgeworthstown has not started at this point in time. To deliver residential properties in both areas it is key that the upgrades commence at pace. We do not have a timeline for when they will be completed at this stage.