Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I am referring to honest to goodness councillors who until recently were not paid very well. They have worked tirelessly for their communities to develop proper infrastructure, amenities and water schemes, all for the greater good.

The Minister spoke about the need to have sound development plans in place with proper water schemes, cycle paths, schools and so forth. While I appreciate this, what about the provision of resources for such services and amenities? There are wonderful hotels and quality housing estates in Athlone but no sewage treatment plant. Raw sewage is still pumped into the River Shannon. The Minister then has the cheek to lecture us about how Athlone councillors have carried on their business. The blame must be laid firmly at the door of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for not providing moneys for water services infrastructural projects.

The Minister referred to the taking in charge of housing estates, as provided for in section 31. It is important councils take in charge housing estates. In Athlone several housing estates require expensive improvements to lighting, water and sewerage schemes, footpaths and roads which would involve a massive cost for the council. How will the local authority find the moneys to put these housing estates right and take them in charge? In an ideal world that would be the right thing to do. Of course we should take them in charge but we need the money. The Minister, however, did not say where that would come from. He spoke in a broad general way.

He suggests that the manager report on the development plans and address every single issue. I do not know what happens in his local authority. Was he ever a councillor?