Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept Deputy McGuinness's bona fides on this issue and I am a firm believer in the parliamentary process. Notwithstanding that the response I am delivering today is similar to one he received previously, the squeaky wheel does get the oil. If the Deputy, as a Member of this House, continues to raise a matter here, that does have an impact. It is heard by Ministers, officials and the semi-State bodies on which we depend. I will bring back his points to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. I will ask him to put pressure on Uisce Éireann to prioritise Clogh and Moneenroe for a speedy delivery of the medium to long-term solutions outlined by the Deputy and referred to in my response, which are needed as quickly as possible.

The Government is delivering a sustainable funding path to further enhance the ongoing significant improvements in public water and wastewater services. Sustained investment through a number of investment cycles is required to address existing infrastructural deficits, ensure compliance with EU directives, accommodate population growth and build resilience in the face of climate change. To this end, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has secured record overall funding of €1.81 billion for delivery of water services in 2024 alone. This funding will support improved water supplies throughout Ireland, including rural Ireland, and a range of programmes delivering improved water quality in rivers, lakes and marine areas. The continued investment in water generally and Uisce Éireann in particular, as the national publicly owned stand-alone regulated utility, will ensure the continued operation, repair and upgrading of Ireland's water and wastewater infrastructure. I again thank the Deputy for raising this important issue.

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