There is considerable concern across my constituency of Sligo–Leitrim, north Roscommon, south Donegal and, indeed, many others regarding the lack of available grant funding to apply for an extension of the sewerage schemes in many of our local towns and villages. Some years ago, prior to the establishment of Irish Water, the Department of housing provided significant funding on a yearly basis to local authorities and communities where there were ten to 15 houses on the outskirts of a town and village. Effectively, it decommissioned their septic tanks and connected them to the mains, resulting in reduced risk of polluting the surrounding river courses. There are numerous groups in this highly sensitive area that have applications ready, but no funding call has been made. When can we see applications open and significant funding made available by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for grants for new group sewerage schemes?

The particular matter Deputy Feighan referred to is really one for Uisce Éireann. As he is probably aware, in terms of our Department, there are grants available of up to €12,500 for upgraded septic tanks. However, the particular matter the Deputy raised in respect of houses on the outskirts of areas that have mains sewerage is something my Department will look into.