Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy again for the points he raised. I will pick up on some of the aspects mentioned, starting with Irish Water. We hear about these challenges, and I hear about them in my constituency as well. In fairness to the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, significant funding was allocated to Irish Water. I think it is €1.5 billion annually for the next four years to enable the company to address these issues. We must have the correct infrastructure in place, whether that is for wastewater or water supply, to allow housing to be successful. The provision of water services is a key enabler to allow any housing development to go ahead and we agree completely on this point.

Turning to the other issue regarding the N25, I know the road well. Living in a neighbouring county, it is a road we use often. I take on board what the Deputy said in this regard, and concerning the importance of being able to provide affordable housing and cost-rental homes for people in all parts of the country, but specifically in east Cork as the Deputy stated. The Minister takes this issue very seriously. I take on board what Deputy Stanton said and I will feed his points back to the Minister's office. Regarding the Deputy's question concerning why this process is taking so long, four proposals were made, as the Deputy said, in respect of sites in Clonakilty, Kinsale and Mallow, and, if approved, they will cumulatively assist in the delivery of 337 affordable homes, of which 277 will be for affordable purchase and the remaining 60 will be cost-rental homes. I thank the Deputy for his time.

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