Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has highlighted the inclusion of Tuam and Athenry among 72 cities, towns and villages identified by Uisce Éireann as priority locations for investment to help unlock new housing and support growing communities.

Ballinasloe and Galway City are also included on the priority list, meaning four locations in County Galway have been identified under the Accelerated Growth programme.

The priority locations will benefit from the Government’s additional €2 billion investment in water and wastewater infrastructure announced as part of the National Development Plan.

Minister Canney said: “The inclusion of both Tuam and Athenry as priority locations is very significant. Both towns are growing and have considerable potential for further housing and economic development, but that growth has to be supported by the necessary infrastructure.

“Investment in water and wastewater capacity is fundamental to unlocking land for new homes and enabling our towns to develop sustainably. I am also pleased to see Ballinasloe and Galway City included.

“This provides greater certainty around where strategic investment will be focused and is an important step in supporting the delivery of housing and the continued growth of these communities.”

The 72 locations were identified by Uisce Éireann following a review of national, regional and local development plans, with a focus on areas where significant growth is planned and additional water and wastewater capacity can support housing and sustainable development.

Tuam and Ballinasloe are among the Key Towns identified for investment, while Athenry is among 24 additional settlements identified as having significant projected housing growth. Galway City is included as one of the five cities identified in the National Planning Framework. The full list supplied by Uisce Éireann confirms all four Galway locations.

Of the additional €2 billion investment, €1.7 billion will support priority growth locations, while a further €300 million has been allocated to support housing and development in rural communities.

The funding is additional to the €10.2 billion already secured by Uisce Éireann under the National Development Plan for investment in water and wastewater services nationwide.