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

The programme for Government commits to funding Irish Water's capital investment plan for water and wastewater infrastructure on a multi-annual basis. The National Development Plan 2021-2030 commits to almost €6 billion in capital investment by Irish Water in the period 2021-2025, of which more than €4.5 billion will be Voted Exchequer funding for domestic water services. As part of budget 2022, funding of more than €1.57 billion was secured to support water services. This includes €1.459 billion for domestic water services provision by Irish Water.

Irish Water is supporting the delivery of Housing for All through investment in growth. Irish Water has developed an approach to identifying future water services demand and prioritising it for delivery where there is clear evidence that strategic investment is required to support housing delivery. On timely delivery of connections, Irish Water will ensure that its network delivery stream supports timely delivery of housing connections. On self-lay accreditation, an accreditation scheme will be advanced to facilitate developers in providing water services infrastructure, provided agreed standards are met. This is an accredited contractor scheme that will be led by Irish Water. I think it has fantastic potential. Irish Water and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities will review the water connection policy to address any issues with first mover disadvantage. Water and wastewater capacity registers were published on the Irish Water website on 24 November 2021.

The Deputy will understand that the progress of individual wastewater plants and infrastructure is a matter for Irish Water. As we modernise our infrastructure it is inevitable that capacity constraints will arise in certain locations. However, the funding provided by this Government is ensuring that water and wastewater infrastructure investment is supporting the Government's overall housing targets. I am assured by Irish Water that it is also committed to this agenda and I know that they work closely with local authorities to ensure that local development plan-led priorities are aligned as much as possible.

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