I wish to highlight the infrastructure in Carrick, County Donegal, which is holding back the future development of a rural Gaeltacht community. We are constantly told rural Ireland needs more housing, more tourism, a stronger local economy and sustainable population growth. However, in Carrick these goals cannot be achieved as the local wastewater treatment system is no longer fit for purpose. The existing holding tank was built in 1970 for a much smaller population and is operating well beyond its intended capacity. This outdated infrastructure is preventing new housing developments, restricting business opportunities and limiting the community's ability to grow. As far back as 2010 it was identified that a new wastewater treatment plant was needed to provide proper treatment and support future development. Despite the community's call for action, nothing has been done and Carrick is not included in any investment programme. The local community has an ambitious plan for regeneration through the Carrick 2040 strategy but these plans cannot be delivered without the basic infrastructure needed to support them. I am calling on the Minister and Uisce Éireann to urgently prioritise the upgrading or replacement of the Carrick water treatment plant. This investment is essential for the local environment, to support housing, for tourism and to allow a vibrant Gaeltacht community to reach its full potential. There is a great community in Carrick. I am not sure if the Deputy Leader knows it but it is a lovely wee town. I must champion the group that is here. They have taken this on and they have run with it. I hope the Deputy Leader will come to Donegal some day. If she visits beautiful Sliabh Liag she will pass through Carrick on her way. The problem is we want our people to stay at home in Carrick. We need them to able to build at home and to maximise the tourism potential of Sliabh Liag. We could do a lot more if we had development of that infrastructure.

Before I call Senator Boyhan I welcome the Cathaoirleach, who is accompanied by H.E. Ms Cristina Gherasimov, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration of the Republic of Moldova. She is accompanied by Ms Larisa Miculeț, chargé d'affaires of the Republic of Moldova to Ireland, who is a regular visitor to the Seanad, and Ms Aura Revenco, communication adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister. You are all very welcome and I hope your visit is successful.

I call Senator Boyhan.