Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Ó Cuív as an gceist seo a ardú agus as an seans a thabhairt dom dualgas Uisce Éireann a leagan amach sa chás seo. Seo obair thábhachtach agus tuigim gur ábhar imní é go áitiúil i gCill Rónáin, Inis Mór. Tá brón orm ach tá an freagra as Béarla.

As the Deputy will understand, this is a matter for Irish Water in the first instance. Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has had statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Thus, the prioritisation and progression of individual projects, such as those outlined this evening, are a matter for determination by Irish Water.

My Department has made inquiries specifically with Irish Water on the issue mentioned by Deputy Ó Cuív. I understand that there is a small waste water treatment system serving a small number of houses in the village and that it is managed by Irish Water, along with its partner, Galway County Council.

I am informed that Irish Water has been investigating complaints and that works required to improve this facility are currently being reviewed. A programme of works is currently being planned. It is anticipated that these works will be completed in the second half of 2021to alleviate the concerns of residents in the area. Further information is available from Irish Water's website, or by telephone on 1850 278 278. Details of all Irish Water's plans and projects are available at www.water.ie.

Significant and sustained investment is needed to ensure the continued operation, upgrading and repair of the country's water and waste water infrastructure and to support economic growth in the years to come. In this regard, as part of budget 2021, my Department secured funding of over €1.4 billion to support water services. This includes €1.3 billion in respect of domestic water services provision by Irish Water. This overall investment will deliver significant improvements in our public water and waste water services, support improved water supplies right across Ireland, including rural Ireland, and the islands.

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