Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

What is absolutely key is delivery and that we look at problems with fresh eyes and in a new way and make sure those who are responsible and able to deliver are very much part of the solution. That is why Uisce Éireann will be part of the various bodies I mentioned - the new infrastructure office established in the Department of public expenditure and the new housing delivery office.

It is really important we are very committed in terms of financial assistance. This Government has made it very clear that of the significant increase in funding for the NPD review a huge proportion of that will be targeted at Uisce Éireann and infrastructure overall - how we open up our roads and water network and make sure we are not just investing in clean water but are making sure new infrastructure is there to ensure we have new homes being developed in every part of the country.

We also have our new national planning framework which has gone through the Houses. That makes it very clear that this is not just about development in built up areas and in urban areas. This is about making sure we have balanced regional development, making sure our rural towns and communities benefit from it.

I know the Department is very open to looking at proposal the Deputy outlined. It is a common-sense approach, making sure that when we have people on the ground, the resources are there to be able to unlock these challenges and that we work with them, making sure they are able to do this and supporting them and, above all, that we support the opening up of new homes for people in our communities.

See this speech in context