Water: Statements
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-21
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Catherine Callaghan (FG), Carlow-Kilkenny

Everybody here knows that water is the most precious of our natural resources, and how the State manages it plays a crucial role in delivering on any number of policy plans for the future. Whether it be housing, education, or immigration, no policy can be fully formed without considering the water infrastructure that is available to support it. The Government has shown consistently that it is willing to act boldly to preserve and protect our water infrastructure and to boost it where possible.
Last November, I warmly welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage that a developer-led approach would be adopted when it comes to progressing wastewater treatment plants, particularly in rural areas. As a rural TD, I say that is very welcome. Councillors on the ground in Carlow and Kilkenny have been calling for this for quite some time and I am heartened by the Government's readiness to act in lockstep with local representatives. Of course, even with this approach, challenges remain. A wastewater treatment plant for Castlecomer, which regularly faces severe water disruption is not due for completion until 2029. The community in Castlecomer who have turned their town into a thriving regional tourist hub cannot and indeed should not have to wait that long.
In Carlow town there is also a pressing need to expand. We know Carlow is a growing student hub that must be supported by the provision of adequate student accommodation and this relies on our wastewater infrastructure. Delays in the schedule to upgrade works for Mortarstown wastewater treatment plant only add to this frustration. We cannot allow the growth of our towns and villages to be undermined by cumbersome developments.
To grow rural Ireland we must not only identify the problems but also the solutions. It is my firm belief that the processes outlined in the accelerating infrastructure report and action plan will go an enormous distance in boosting our delivery of vital wastewater infrastructure. This belief is bolstered by the ceaseless work that has been completed on the ground across Carlow and Kilkenny over recent months. In November, vital water network upgrades were completed in Tullow town centre. These works replaced more than 2.1 km of old and damaged pipes which will reduce water loss, enhance pressure and ensure a more reliable supply for all schools and businesses in Tullow. Last summer, works costing almost €10 million were completed in Bagenalstown's wastewater treatment plant, bringing the population capacity of the plant from 4,500 to 9,800. Works such as these are being carried out on the ground, and it is important that we get balance. Obviously, we need more to be done but, on average, Uisce Éireann is at present fixing 2,000 leaks every month.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-01-21/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-31T01:00:51+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-21