Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When it came to choosing a career in politics, I do not know if blood pressure or my front teeth were more at risk but, hopefully, neither of them are. I am sure we share this sentiment across the House. I appreciate the clarity and sincerity the Deputy brought to this debate. Being a Minister of State with responsibility for business, I know this is key for attracting inward investment and making sure we have clean, safe and reliable water, not just for personal use but also for commercial use, particularly in our growing industries.

I assure the Deputy that the programme for Government commits to funding Uisce Éireann's capital investment plan for drinking and wastewater infrastructure on a multi-annual basis. Delivery of a funding package is committed to in Project Ireland 2040. The National Development Plan 2021-2030, published on 4 October 2021, commits to almost €6 billion capital investment to be undertaken by Uisce Éireann from 2021 to 2025. Over €4.5 billion of this will be Voted Exchequer funding in respect of domestic water services, which are also referenced under the Housing for All plan.

Uisce Éireann is well aware of its responsibilities to the House, the Government, the Exchequer and, more importantly, the people of Ireland. I will take the Deputy's well-stated and well-elucidated remarks back to the relevant Ministers and will continue, as a Minister of State with responsibility for business, to keep the pressure on to make sure that this capital investment does not fall by the wayside. Regardless of any economic ups or downs, what is committed in Project Ireland 2040 has to be delivered.

See this speech in context