Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has received information from Irish Water which might affect the ability of his Department to provide affordable or local authority housing to accommodate qualified applicants in 2021; the likely number of homes expected therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22818/21]
View answerFrom the outset, I wish to advise the Deputy that Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels in accordance with Section 7 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013. This includes water and waste water services connections to new housing developments. I have no function in relation to these matters.
With regard to Serviced Sites Fund projects which have received approval in principle from my Department which will assist in the delivery of affordable homes, my Department has requested local authorities to engage with utility services such as Irish Water at the earliest opportunity in order to ensure that there is no unnecessary delays to their projected times of delivery.
I have received no information from Irish Water in respect of the projects that will be delivering affordable homes in 2021 that would suggest there will be an adverse affect on their ability to deliver on time as anticipated.
