The Taoiseach said earlier utilities need certainty and so do people. Residents and businesses in Ballymahon and Ardagh in Longford have had enough. Last year, Ardagh's water supply failed 13 times and there were five more failures this year, excluding storm-related outages. It is a long-standing problem and is unacceptable. It is upending the daily lives of ordinary people, families, farmers and businesses.

Despite countless complaints and reports to Uisce Éireann, answers are scarce and solutions are even scarcer. The communities feel ignored, neglected and that their water needs are an afterthought. Investment in rural water infrastructure is vital. Towns and villages like these cannot continue without a basic, safe and reliable water supply. They are not looking for miracles; they are looking for a clear plan and timeframe for when their water service will be restored to something reliable. Is the Taoiseach in a position to give those towns and villages that commitment today?

First, there will be increased investment in water. I have had discussions with Irish Water in respect of some rural towns or where there are certain developments where bespoke arrangements have to be arrived at between developers, for example, who could develop waste water treatment facilities and supply in accordance with guidelines issued by Irish Water and subsequent inspections-----

There is not.

I know that but I am saying this will have to happen.

But there are none.

The demand is growing all the time and we must develop innovative ways of meeting that demand.