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

I am mindful that the Deputy was probably chatting to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle when I outlined the position. I do not have the actual planning costs that he is looking for. What happens is Irish Water is given an envelope of funding to deliver the project. It is monitored through the Irish Water strategic plan which is presented to the Government and the regulator. I know from dealing with the regulator and different utility organisations that have brought forward proposals during the years that regulators are fairly strict when it comes to costs which they monitor quite well. Often they reduce the initial asking costs also. There is a fairly good system and protocol in place to deal with that aspect.

The Deputy is looking for particular figures. I will see if I can get them for him from Irish Water. It is the body responsible and it is not something the Department deals with on a day to day basis. Irish Water has statutory responsibility for planning and decision-making on the type of project that will proceed.

The Deputy has raised questions about whether this is the best way to proceed with the treatment facility. That is something we can certainly look into for him. I am not familiar with the details, but I will certainly get the details because, to be honest, the Deputy has raised my interest in the matter now.

It is also part of the planning process Irish Water is going through. I have been attended many oral hearings during the years. The details will be dealt with and come out. It is an important part of the decision-making process. Often on a project of this nature the first step is for the organisation responsible to prove that the project is necessary and that there is no better way of doing something. Irish Water will be given the job to use taxpayers' money effectively to ensure the best treatment facilities are built to the highest standards and available within a certain budget. The company will have to manage that process and ensure value for money, as well as ensuring the best environmental decision is made. I presume it will all be teased out during the oral hearing and the planning process. If there is any information I can obtain for the Deputy in the meantime, I will get it. I will be happy to do so.

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