Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Deputy knows that the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, has met Waterford Oireachtas Members on this issue in recent weeks. Exchequer funding for local authorities has increased in recent years, including the allocation for next year for Waterford City and County Council of just over €3 million. This is an increase of just under €700,000 in terms of this year's allocation moving into next year.

There is an issue, however, for Waterford City and County Council in the context of the reorganisation of the rates which would have been paid in the past from Irish Water assets. According to my note, the Department has an ongoing dialogue with management in Waterford City and County Council with a view of working through these issues. I am sure the Deputy is raising it in the Dáil today to make sure the focus stays on trying to resolve these issues in a way which is sustainable for Waterford City and County Council.

See this speech in context