I ask the Leader to organise a debate, at the earliest possible opportunity, to discuss the issue of water infrastructure throughout the country. Many parts of rural Ireland are serviced by old iron or metal water pipes, which are well past their sell-by date and, in many cases, have started to leak and crack. There is also old asbestos piping throughout that pipe network. Ever since the State transferred the responsibility for water infrastructure to Irish Water, unfortunately, the same level of scrutiny at a local level has gone. Previously, the county councils arranged to fix the network within their own areas. There is obviously a funding deficit that needs to be met.

I would like to have a debate on this issue in the House. I can give plenty of examples, particularly in the west Clare area around Cooraclare and Creegh, where a break in the pipe has been seen every week. The weather changes, the ground becomes inundated with water and the pipe expands and breaks. It is fixed but it breaks again, sometimes every second day. It has people driven demented, including those with young children who are unable to make bottles for their kids and elderly people who are unable to take a shower because the breakage impacts on their heating system. We have got to find a better way to address these rural communities, where water infrastructure provided by the State is in place but is not fit for purpose. The area between Creegh and Cooraclare, over the past two to three years, has seen consistent breaks, week in week out. People have had enough. They pay their taxes and are entitled to expect a service that is at least somewhat consistent and in line with every other part of the county and country.

I agree with Senator Dooley's proposition on the need for a debate on the matter he raised. I also commend the Cathaoirleach on a spectacular contribution during President Biden's visit last Thursday. It struck a chord. From President Biden's reaction, one would know he was very taken by the Cathaoirleach's contribution. Congratulations.

For once, I commend the Government on a memo regarding Shannon Heritage that went to Cabinet and got Cabinet approval this morning. However, I have to be critical that it has taken so long.

This issue has gone on in Clare for the past 18 to 24 months. Clare County Council has been willing to step up to the plate and take over Shannon Heritage, and ensure that Shannon Heritage has a viable future that will make a significant contribution to the tourism offering not just in County Clare, but throughout the Wild Atlantic Way and the west coast of Ireland.

Some €6 million is being provided by the Department of Transport, with additional funding coming from various other Departments. There is also a commitment by the Office of Public Works, OPW, to ensure that the necessary capital upgrades will take place at the facilities. These facilities were a great offering in the past and can be an even better offering going forward. We have the Cliffs of Moher Experience in Clare, which I would describe as a gold-plated visitor experience. However, we need more, and these facilities can provide more.

I know it was detailed, complex, and that much annual funding was not possible because it is moving from the Department of Transport but it is better late than never. I wish Clare County Council and its senior management team all the very best in putting together a very strong, focused international marketing campaign for County Clare for 2023 and the years ahead.

Finally, I welcome two friends of mine from Lahinch to the Gallery, Eamon Fitzgerald and his wife, Orla Griffin. I hope they enjoy their day here in Leinster House.

I thank the Senator, and I welcome both Eamon and Orla to the Gallery. I thank them for being here today, and hope they have a very pleasurable visit with our colleague and friend, Senator Conway.