Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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475. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the grant scheme for local authorities in relation to localised sewerage and wastewater treatment plants; the number of local authorities that have applied for the grant; the number that have been successful; and the applications outstanding. [20034/20]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to completed residential estates that are dependent on Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure for their water services.  

In July 2019, my Department launched the multi-annual Developer-Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme 2019-2021.  Bids were sought from local authorities for funding under the programme and nineteen local authorities with Developer-Provided Water Services Infrastructure in estates in their areas made applications for funding. 

My Department has completed a preliminary evaluation and clarification process on the bids received from the local authorities.  An Expert Panel, which includes Departmental, stakeholder and independent representation, has been appointed to examine the bids.  The Panel has held a number of meetings to date.   

I expect that the Expert Panel will make recommendations to me shortly on the suitability of projects for funding under the programme. This will be based on criteria set out in the Framework document issued to local authorities when requesting proposals. It is expected that an announcement on approvals and allocations will be made once that process is concluded in the coming weeks.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local level.

In relation to the July Jobs Stimulus Package, capital funding being provided to Irish Water will allow for an acceleration of the leakage reduction programme. This will lead to activity across all 26 counties and allow for the creation of up to 350 jobs. Works under this programme will be split across urban and remote locations.

The stimulus package also provides funding to Irish Water for use in their capital maintenance programme. This investment will also provide jobs and will improve water and waste water services through the replacement of failed or failing treatment equipment. This will improve operations and improve service to water service users.

Allocating funding to this programme ensures that the funding delivers on the objectives of the stimulus package and has the greatest impact on water infrastructure performance and resilience.

In relation to any specific issues, Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The Irish Water team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578. Details of all Irish Water’s plans and projects are also available on its website www.water.ie.