Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. This is an issue in rural Ireland and in County Clare in particular. Some 52 settlements in small towns and villages in the county just do not have the infrastructure. If the infrastructure is not there, it is not possible to develop a village further. This is an innovative idea. If the Department can work in conjunction with others and came up with a prototype or an agreed standard for a treatment plant, it could be provided in each of these smaller settlements and would provide for that type of development. Without this type of initiative, I am fearful that these towns and villages will go backwards, which we do not want.

I ask that the Minister of State and his officials engage with Clare County Council on this and come up with a prototype.

See this speech in context