Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed Government approval for the allocation of €2 billion in National Development Plan funding to Uisce Éireann, describing it as a major investment that will help unlock housing development across Ireland.
The funding will support critical water and wastewater infrastructure needed to deliver new homes under the Government’s Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 plan.
Of the total funding, €1.7 billion will be invested through Uisce Éireann’s Growth and Investment Programme to provide the water services needed to support housing development in 72 settlements where existing treatment capacity can be expanded through targeted investment.
A further €300 million will support rural growth through the Small Towns and Villages Programme, upgrading wastewater treatment plants in smaller communities. More than 300 potential locations have already been identified in partnership with local authorities, with works progressing at 50 sites.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Canney said: “Delivering more homes depends on having the right infrastructure in place. Water and wastewater services are fundamental to housing development, and this investment will help ensure communities have the capacity needed to support new homes and future growth.”
“The €1.7 billion being invested through the Growth and Investment Programme will unlock housing capacity in 72 settlements, while the additional €300 million for smaller towns and villages is particularly important in ensuring rural communities can also benefit from new housing opportunities.”
“This investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to matching housing ambition with the infrastructure required to deliver it. By investing in essential water services now, we are helping to remove barriers to development and create the conditions for more homes to be built across the country.”
The €2 billion allocation forms part of the €11.7 billion being invested in Uisce Éireann under the National Development Plan, representing the largest ever investment in Ireland’s water infrastructure. The funding will be provided directly from the Central Fund to accelerate delivery of housing-supporting infrastructure throughout the country.
