Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
353. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider increasing the funding that is available to local authorities to take in charge developer provided water services infrastructure estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11259/22]
View answer354. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing estates with developer provided water infrastructure taken in charge by each local authority since 2015, by year. [11260/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 354 together.
Funding of €68.5 million under the National Development Plan has been allocated for the period 2021-2025 for water legacy issues in relation to lead pipe remediation and the Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme.
In September 2020, I announced the first tranche of funding under my Department's multi-annual Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme. Just over €3.36 million was made available for 26 estates across 10 counties with almost 950 households to benefit.
The Expert Panel is currently considering further bid submissions from local authorities and this, subject to my approval, will lead to a further wave of funding allocations in Q2, 2022. These projects, together with a major study being undertaken by Irish Water, will inform future policy and funding needs on resolving sub-standard developer provided water services infrastructure in the areas involved.
My Department monitors progress of the Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme based on the expenditure of each local authority. Under Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), it is a matter for the relevant Planning Authority to take housing developments in charge. My Department does not hold data on a year to year basis regarding developments that have be taken in charge and such data is a matter for the relevant local authority.
