Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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577. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he is aware of the number of property sales nationwide that are held up due to issues with developer-provided infrastructure for water treatment; if his Department can confirm that approximately 550 developments are affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54738/25]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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578. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he is aware of issues with the developer-provided infrastructure for water services at a location (details supplied); if he will confirm that these issues are affecting the private sale of property; if his Department can provide commitments for its maintenance to enable the sale of property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54739/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 577 and 578 together.

I understand that there are currently 457 locations nationwide that rely on developer-provided water services infrastructure (DPI) for their water services. This figure is based on the most recent information provided by local authorities to my Department in April 2023, and includes the development referenced in the details supplied.

It is important to note that these systems are privately owned and operated, and not part of the public water or wastewater network. Not all of these locations are experiencing problems, though in some cases the status of DPI schemes can give rise to practical challenges for homeowners, including where questions may arise around future maintenance or connection arrangements.

Since 1 January 2024, responsibility for the remediation of DPI has transferred to the national water authority, Uisce Éireann.

This does not mean that Uisce Éireann has immediately assumed responsibility for the day-to-day operation or maintenance of these private systems. Existing local arrangements remain in place while Uisce Éireann and local authorities work to identify and deliver long-term, sustainable solutions to ensure that affected households are provided with reliable and compliant water services.

Uisce Éireann is working closely with the local authorities to put in place a coordinated national plan for the progressive regularisation and remediation of these estates. Given the scale and complexity of the challenges involved, it is recognised that achieving resolution across all sites will necessarily take time.