A new multi-annual capital investment programme for the progressive resolution of "developer provided water services infrastructure" (DPI) in housing estates has been announced by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien.

Housing estates with "developer provided water services infrastructure", are estates that are not taken-in-charge and do not have their water services connected to the public (Uisce Éireann) network.

The multi-annual funding programme was introduced in 2019 to facilitate the progressive resolution in a sustainable manner of the DPI in estates to support the taking-in-charge of the estate.

The funding now being announced under multi-annual programme is in line with the funding ear marked in the National Development Plan to assist in resolving the DPI in these estates in a sustainable manner over time.

Following consideration by an Expert Panel, the Minister today approved funding amounting to just under €14.72 million to 9 local authorities for 21 projects providing water services to over 850 households.

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This includes funding:

• 14 projects which can get underway immediately and connect to Uisce Éireann network. They will resolve DPI issues to the benefit of 353 households (See Table 1).

• Four projects approved in principle and to commence the work when the enabling Uisce Éireann system has capacity. They will resolve DPI issues to the benefit of 108 households (See Table 2).

• Funding allocations to Ardnacrusha County Clare of €5.2m, Crossbarry County Cork of €3.3m and Grange, Co Carlow of €3.4m. They will collectively resolve DPI issues to the benefit of 391 households (See Table 3).

Speaking on the allocations Minister O'Brien said: "I am glad that this multi-annual programme, run by my Department, is continuing the process of helping the many families who are living in residential estates that are dependent on DPI for their water services.

"Many residents of DPI estates have made a major financial commitment in buying their homes but have been dependent on sub-standard developer provided wastewater or drinking water treatment plants for their water services.

"Through this investment Government are ensuring that public elements of estates such as the provision of roads, open spaces, car parks, and service connections are completed to the satisfactory standard and maintained thereafter by the appropriate authority.

"My Department is currently conducting a survey to identify additional estates where a sustainable solution can be developed to enable the taking in charge of estates with DPI. Today's announcement represents another significant step in resolving these problems. My Department is continuing to engage with local authorities to develop sustainable solution to estates with DPI to enable the taking in charge of these estates."