Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
387. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has any plans to seek a new round of bids under the Multi-Annual Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme. [10008/24]
View answer388. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason two housing estates in County Roscommon (details supplied) were not recommended for funding under the Multi-Annual Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme 2019-2021 [10009/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 387 and 388 together.
There are a number of housing estates across the country that rely on developer provided infrastructure for their water services networks. These estates have not been taken-in-charge and their water services networks are not, currently, connected to the public (Uisce Éireann) network. The water services infrastructure, provided by the developer of such estates, is more commonly called DPI.
Using funding provided under the National Development Plan, my Departments’ Multi-annual Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme (DPI Programme) provides funding to assist in progressively resolving issues with DPI across the country.
All applications received under the DPI Programme are referred to an Expert Panel that was established and tasked with evaluating each request for funding. The Panel is independently chaired and membership includes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Uisce Éireann as well as Departmental representation.
For each application received, the Panel completes a critical analysis of the proposed project and based on an agreed criteria as set out in the detailed framework document provided to all local authorities, makes a recommendation to the Department for Ministerial approval of funding.
In addition to having the required technical expertise, the Panel also has wide knowledge and experience across the local authority, housing and water sector. The experience of using the Panel has shown that they bring objectivity and transparency to the evaluation process.
I can confirm that in the case of the locations in the details supplied, that applications under the DPI Programme were received from the local authority concerned. Both applications were referred to the Expert Panel for their analysis and recommendation. The Panel examined the specifics of each application and did not recommend funding on the basis that connecting these locations to the Uisce Éireann network was not technically feasible.
Under the DPI Programme I have approved two tranches of funding of over €18m to benefit 1,800 houses across the country that will allow the estates concerned to be taken in charge by the local authority, with Uisce Éireann taking responsibility for the water services.
I can confirm that from 1 January 2024 Uisce Éireann, as the national water authority, have assumed responsibility for the remediation of DPI infrastructure.
I have no plans to invite a new round of applications for funding under the DPI Programme.
