1683. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being taken to strengthen Ireland's water resilience during periods of drought, including those relating to water conservation, infrastructure investment and sustainable water use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56436/26]

Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The scope, prioritisation and progression of individual projects is a matter for Uisce Éireann and is approved through its own internal governance structures.

In line with the Water Policy Services Statement 2024-2030, a National Water Conservation Working Group has been established to advise on a future strategy for water conservation and prioritisation of resources during periods of water stress.

Since its inception as Ireland’s single public water utility in 2014, Uisce Éireann has steadily grown its capital investment in our water infrastructure, from €300M in 2014, to €1.4 billion as part of budget 2026. Uisce Éireann has delivered significant improvements in the provision of water services. Hundreds of water and wastewater treatment plants have been upgraded along with thousands of kilometres of new or rehabilitated water mains installed, the national leakage rate has been reduced, and the overall quality of drinking water remains very high.

Under the revised National Development Plan, the Government has scaled up support for the water sector with a record allocation of €11.7 billion in funding out to 2030 for Uisce Éireann. This funding will support the delivery of a wide range of projects in our cities and regions required for housing delivery, safeguarding public health and the environment; and crucially, the capacity required for our new housing targets.