Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Neville for the information he has provided on the importance of Askeaton and other areas in County Limerick. It is important when Irish Water is rolling out its investments, it does so in collaboration with local Oireachtas Members and councillors. It has to take cognisance of the national planning framework, the national development plan, the forthcoming regional and spatial economic strategies, as well as the ongoing reviews of the county and local area development plans. When we are trying to roll out long-term plans for housing, we try to match the services needed, such as health and education services, in a planned way.

There is much ambition for Limerick county and city to develop and take its fair share as a region. We want to rebalance development from the east coast. It is important Irish Water bears that in mind when deciding its investment strategies. The updated Limerick county and city plan will fit into that, along with the regional strategy. It is important local Oireachtas Members are consulted. I will ask the Irish Water team to deal with the Deputy specifically on this case. Neither I nor the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, actually picked the different places for investment. However, it is important Irish Water does that in collaboration with Deputies who know what is going on in the areas and matches up the plans. We meet people every day who want to provide public or private housing. We need to make sure the infrastructure is in place to make that happen. If we do not, we cannot reach our targets in Rebuilding Ireland or Ireland 2040. The Deputy made submissions to Ireland 2040. There is much ambition for both Limerick city and county in those plans. We can only achieve those plans if we provide water and wastewater infrastructure, along with other required services. I will make sure the Irish Water team gets in contact with the Deputy on timelines and future plans on this issue.

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