Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Deputy’s frustration about the lack of information from a State body or a body working on the ground. Ultimately, however, there is good news. The upgrade of the existing water treatment plant is a very welcome development for the residents and businesses represented by the Deputy. Uisce Éireann has committed to holding an elected representative briefing to mark this commencement. The Minister has been informed that an invitation will be issued shortly to all those in the Macroom municipal district and a communication on this has been sent to the Deputy directly. That is probably the best opportunity for the Deputy to engage directly with Uisce Éireann to be able to answer the specific questions he has about contractors and when ground will be broken.

With the existing wastewater infrastructure in the village overloaded and out of date, it is really positive that the works are now progressing on schedule to modernise and improve the performance of wastewater treatment in Macroom. The next phase of the project is now commencing. It will bring significant benefits to the communities the Deputy represents and the surrounding areas in terms of growth, health, environmental protection and improved water quality in the river as well. Uisce Éireann has a dedicated hotline and email address. I appreciate the Deputy has had trouble getting information from that. I am glad that there will be a meeting and a briefing set up with Uisce Éireann and all representatives from the area. There have been record levels of investment in water services by Uisce Éireann in the last five years which will continue over the funding period of 2025-2029. The overall investment will deliver significant improvement in our public water and wastewater services. I am pleased the Deputy’s constituents will see the benefits of that.

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