Written answers

Wednesday, 12 November 2025

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Wastewater Treatment

Photo of Mark WallMark Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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253. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline the actions his Department and the Environmental Protection Agency are taking to address wastewater treatment in Allenwood and Rathangan failing to meet European Union standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61916/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I have no function in relation to the provision of wastewater treatment systems or the inadequacy of existing wastewater treatment system. This falls under the remit of Uisce Éireann which is a body under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

It should be noted, however, that, since 1 January 2014, Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels under section 7 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 and I am advised that the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has no function in relation to same.

In addition the Environmental Protection Agency, as the Environmental Regulator, is the key statutory body for investigating complaints of pollution and for the enforcement, both directly and through oversight of Uisce Éireann and local authorities, of environmental legislation in Ireland including compliance in relation to licensed urban waste water discharges.

If Deputies have any queries on specific issues in relation to water services, I am advised that Uisce Éireann has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 0818 578 578. Deputies can also contact the EPA at oireachtasqueries@epa.ie.

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