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

I remind the Deputy that the progression of individual wastewater infrastructure is a matter for Uisce Éireann. There are dedicated lines for us to make those representations. The scope of the Kilcummin sewerage scheme included the installation of a sewer network and the construction of a pumping station. The scope did not include the provision of wastewater connections to residents in the area along the route of the wastewater network. As Uisce Éireann is a regulated utility under the Commission for Regulation of Utilities approved water charges plan, and in conjunction with the connection charging policy, there are no exemptions for connection charges. I understand Uisce Éireann held a public information evening in 2019, informing residents of the procedure for the submission of connection applications. Uisce Éireann has also advised that the connection application forms were physically distributed to all properties along the pipeline route which could easily connect. Any person wishing to connect a domestic premises to the public water or wastewater network should make a connection application to Uisce Éireann. Each connection application will be assessed and charged consistently across the country, in accordance with connections policy.

I assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring substantial funding is provided to Uisce Éireann. We are continuing that and have done since the formation of this Government. The programme for Government commits to funding Uisce Éireann's capital investment plan for water and wastewater infrastructure on a multiannual basis. The National Development Plan 2021-2030 commits to almost €6 billion in capital investment by Uisce Éireann in the 2021-25 period, of which over €4.5 billion will be devoted Exchequer funding for domestic water services. To reiterate, this is an operational issue for Uisce Éireann. In terms of the connection, there are no exemptions. It is important that the Deputy takes this matter up directly with Uisce Éireann.

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