I want to raise with the Minister my concern that there is no structure in place between local authorities and Uisce Éireann. If an engineer in a local authority wants to make a representation about a connection, he or she is treated in the same way as a member of the public. I ask that the Departments would sit down with Irish Water and the local authorities to set up a proper structure. I know of one housing project belonging to a local authority that is now delayed six months because we cannot get the water and sewerage connections as there is such disagreement between them. A structure must be put in place. I ask that this would be done at the earliest possible date.

I thank Deputy Burke for his question. He highlights an issue that many of us experience in our local communities where there is a delay in major infrastructural residential development because of not getting a connection with Uisce Éireann. There definitely should be a process in place whereby local authorities and Uisce Éireann can engage. I am surprised there is not. I will speak to the Minister, Deputy James Browne, in respect of that matter to see whether anything can be done at departmental level to ensure there is direct contact between local authorities and Uisce Éireann.