Róisín Garvey (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I understand that it is not just the estate I mentioned. I note that the Minister has allocated just over €3.36 million for 26 estates across ten counties. I contend that there are probably 26 estates in County Clare that need assistance. I know that the Minister has been handed a legacy issue, but the water situation, between lead pipes, poor infrastructure and more, is appalling. Apart from being told that a study might be completed by the summer, which could mean June or September, I have nothing to tell the residents of the estate. I do not know how we can expedite the matter. There is a housing crisis, but at least let the people who live in houses currently have decent water and access to water. It is a basic human right to have access to clean water. People ring me all of the time and they are extremely stressed because their water supply has been cut off. The water situation is especially stressful for people who are at home so people with disabilities or people who work from home full-time or older people.

I ask the Minister of State to convey to the Minister the fact that I know he has to spend money on everything. However, we need to get the water services right for the existing housing estates, regardless of whether they comprise six or 70 houses. I would like to see this issue prioritised and expedited by the Department.