Minister Canney Welcomes New Government Policy Enabling Private Sector Role in Wastewater Infrastructure to Accelerate Housing Delivery
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 the Government’s decision to enable the private sector to deliver wastewater infrastructure to support housing delivery – a measure he has consistently called for over many years.
The new policy framework, approved by Government this week, will allow Uisce Éireann to facilitate private sector delivery of wastewater infrastructure in cases where public investment cannot be provided quickly enough to meet housing demand.
Minister Canney said: “This is a very important step. I have been calling for this type of practical solution for a long time. Across the country, and particularly in rural Ireland, housing projects have been stalled because of a lack of wastewater capacity.
Allowing the private sector to contribute to the development of wastewater infrastructure – under strict regulation and with Uisce Éireann assuming ownership on completion – is a common-sense and balanced approach that will unlock new housing opportunities in our towns and villages.”
Under the new arrangements:
- Uisce Éireann will assume responsibility for ensuring compliance with wastewater discharge regulations.
- It will enter into agreements to take ownership of privately delivered infrastructure for future operation and maintenance.
- Regulatory reforms will be introduced to simplify and reduce the compliance burden for small-volume wastewater discharges.
- Circulars will issue to planning authorities to clarify how wastewater treatment for smaller housing developments should be assessed.
The move complements the Government’s €12.2 billion investment in the water sector under the updated National Development Plan 2026–2030, ensuring that public investment and private participation work hand-in-hand to deliver the modernisation and expansion of essential infrastructure needed to support new housing.
Galway County Council has identified 30 locations across the county with no public wastewater treatment infrastructure – a gap that has prevented new housing and community development in many small villages. Minister Canney said that under this new framework, even a modest number of these sites progressing through privately delivered infrastructure could unlock long-stalled housing projects and help sustain rural communities.
Minister Canney added: “This change provides a clear and coordinated framework that upholds environmental standards while removing one of the biggest practical barriers to housing delivery. It will make a real difference in places where wastewater constraints have held back growth for too long.”
Implementation will begin later this year, with supporting regulations, EPA guidance, and Uisce Éireann frameworks to follow in early 2026.