Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to say directly to the people in those towns and communities that are affected by the issues the Deputy has referred to that I am not in a position to come into the Dáil today and give a very specific answer on the status of wastewater treatment plants for different towns and villages within our country. If he had given me an indication that he was going to raise these specific towns beforehand, I could have done that. However, he knows it is very difficult for anybody to come in here today and be able to directly answer questions regarding specific projects for very specific towns which are valued by him and by all who represent that constituency.

What I can say generally on the issue he raised is that in budget 2025 when the Minister, Deputy Chambers, and I were making decisions regarding the allocation of a further €3 billion that has been generated by the sale of shares in banks that our country has owned for some time, we have highlighted that further funding to be made available to Irish Water is a top priority for that money. We are doing that because we recognise the need for further investment in our water, further investment in wastewater treatment plants that can make a difference to the quality of life of those whom Deputy Collins represents and whose concerns he is raising here today and also with regard to the provision of homes in those areas. We accept that more needs to be done in that area while also saying that Irish Water is making important and valuable changes in the quality of wastewater treatment plants within our country.

I can give the commitment here today, as has been outlined in the budget, that further funding will be made available for that area. On foot of the issue that has been raised by Deputy Collins, of course, I will certainly pass on to the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, the issue that has been raised and how we can respond back to those lovely and important parts of Deputy Collins's community getting the investment they need.

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