Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me the opportunity to discuss the village of Castlemagner in north County Cork. Castlemagner is a beautiful village situated almost midway between Kanturk and Mallow. There was significant development in the village more than 15 years ago. We have been working for some time with Cork County Council. Councillor Bernard Moynihan put considerable work in with the council and Irish Water. We were delighted that Irish Water announced earlier this year that Castlemagner would be included in the small town and village scheme for the upgrade of its sewage treatment plant. Once that is in place, it will allow the village to further develop. It is in a very central location, almost at the heart of Munster. The upgraded treatment plant will allow much-needed houses to be built in the village. In the debate on the summer economic statement and in multiple debates here every week, housing is very a important issue. Housing is not just a Dublin or city issue. It is very important for rural areas. Many people have moved back to rural communities, including Castlemagner.

While Irish Water has announced that Castlemagner is on the scheme, I want to ensure it progresses in the shortest possible timeframe. I ask the Minister of State to use his good offices and those of his Department to liaise with Irish Water and Cork County Council to ensure this is expedited. The upgrade to the existing system has been taken over by Irish Water therefore allowing the village to further develop. Many people would be looking at Castlemagner as a place they would build homes. A number of homes could be built there.

It is very important that there is no delay. We want Irish Water, Cork County Council and the Department on song to ensure that this development happens. Over the years, many projects have been delayed because funding was not in place. We have got that commitment from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and Irish Water. We are very grateful for that and for the work done by the Cork County Council, the Department and Irish Water to bring it to this level. However, we cannot rest on our laurels at this stage. We are into the second half of 2022 and we want to ensure that what was announced for 2022 happens in 2022 and that plans are developed. I am aware that engineering works, etc., need to be carried out. We need the full support from all the stakeholders who have stepped up to the plate and made it a priority. We now need to ensure that it happens in the shortest possible time.

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