Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I am heartened by it in terms of the consideration and the flexibility that could be given to local authorities. In a partnership process, any semi-State or any body that tries to develop critical infrastructure that is in the common good and the public good must be supported. I encourage Uisce Éireann and other such bodies to work with local authorities to make sure they avail of these partnership processes because it can help remove the Bord Pleanála difficulties and help expedite planning developments.

I support that work and encourage the Minister of State to consider amending the wastewater discharge regulations, which are linked through Uisce Éireann. I know they are causing delays as well as the permissions. The EPA also has a licensing challenge which can delay developments, so a bit more flexibility and less bureaucracy on that for small incremental improvements would be really supported and welcomed by Uisce Éireann. Ultimately, it will help us build and deliver more houses. I would really welcome the Minister of State's input on it all and his support for it.