Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The policy of allowing developers to develop and retain control of sewerage systems, as happened in many estates, was questionable from the start. I can offer the example of Walshestown Park in Newbridge, County Kildare. A couple of times each year residents there are subject to an overflow of the wastewater treatment system. Kildare County Council has probably spent a fortune on the tanker clean-up in the short term but when we seek funding for a long-term solution, which has been costed at approximately €250,000, the council says it does not have the funding for it because the estate is not taken in charge. There is a gap between the local authority, Irish Water and these housing estates and the residents of the estates are falling into it. I do not doubt that it will cost a substantial amount because there are many such estates. How many estates are affected around the country? This issue is affecting people in many areas and it is not a good use of our money. The problem also occurred in Oak Park in Narraghmore and was eventually resolved, but it is hard to resolve these matters without an overarching approach. I look forward to seeing what is in the new initiative when it is introduced. It is important that we deal with this properly because it is having an impact on people. It also affects the resale value of houses and the ability to get these estates taken in charge.

See this speech in context