Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will deal with the Deputy's last question first because it is very important. I want the construction sector to fully reopen on 5 March. The reason the construction sector is closed has nothing to do with its operation. Companies in the sector have operated safely, been agile and shown an ability to take on new work practices to keep workers safe and to deliver. The sector is closed simply to reduce the movement of people and I hope it will be fully open again on 5 March. That is my earnest wish. There are some small exemptions to the restrictions around social housing and emergency works, and rightly so. We are working through those regulations and they will be published later this evening. I have engaged extensively with the sector because people's jobs and livelihoods are at stake and the provision of homes for people is, and remains, an essential service.

I will come back to the Deputy directly on the other couple of issues he raised. I met with the Deputy and constituency colleagues about the issues he raised about Broadford. We are working on the preparation of a pilot scheme for rural villages and towns that do not have the requisite Irish Water infrastructure, or indeed any sewage infrastructure. Work has advanced following the meeting I had with Oireachtas Members before Christmas. I will come back to the Deputy on the other two matters he raised.

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