Imelda Goldsboro (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for joining us. This is an issue in Tipperary South and we all know that we are currently in a housing shortage nationwide. It is something that is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, however, we seem to have a number of challenges that are hindering the progress of housing, such as the reason for this Commencement matter.

In Tipperary South, there is a housing developer who has a planning application in for 44 new homes. Forty four new homes in Cahir would substantially reduce the number of people on the housing list. It would be a good news story, positive and welcome. One of the planning conditions is that he has to have a water connection. After doing the necessary paperwork, carrying out the relevant procedures, and adhering to all the guidelines, rules and regulations, Irish Water has told him he will have to wait 16 weeks. We are right in the peak of good weather and it is very suitable for building, but having to wait four months is going to cause a number of delays. It is going to have a significant negative impact on him, his other developments and his staff.

I ask that we have a look with Uisce Éireann to see what way it can streamline its process, especially for developments, and how it plans to change the existing structures to be more productive and beneficial for developers and for those who are in rural one-off houses. We are trying to get into an area where we have housing growth and development, and we have a number of challenges and factors. I know there are also issues with the ESB, finance and planning and we are trying to get those issues addressed, but Uisce Éireann is the one which is of great concern. I appreciate the Minister of State's reply.