Wastewater treatment and network capacity constraints may impact housing delivery, including in parts of rural Galway. Responsibility for the planning, delivery and operation of public wastewater infrastructure rests with Uisce Éireann.
Ensuring that adequate wastewater infrastructure is available is critical to supporting sustainable housing development and balanced regional growth across the country. Where capacity constraints exist, they can delay or restrict new housing supply, particularly in rural areas where existing infrastructure may not meet current or projected demand. Addressing these constraints is therefore a priority for both my Department and Uisce Éireann.
In November 2025, I committed to having the Developer-Led Wastewater Infrastructure (DLI) initiative operational by the end of the first Quarter of this year, and it is my intention to announce its implementation in the coming days.
The DLI initiative is designed to accelerate the delivery of essential wastewater infrastructure where capacity constraints may affect housing supply. Under this model, developers, in partnership with Uisce Éireann, can construct wastewater solutions required for new housing developments. Once constructed, these assets transfer to public ownership, with Uisce Éireann responsible for ongoing operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. This ensures that all infrastructure meets required technical, environmental, and operational standards, while also providing a mechanism to address constraints more rapidly than through traditional funding and delivery routes.
The DLI model has been developed following consultation with and agreement by key stakeholders, including Uisce Éireann and the Environmental Protection Agency, to ensure it is robust, transparent, and capable of supporting sustainable housing growth. Its implementation will be monitored closely to assess effectiveness and inform any future refinements. By enabling targeted investment in wastewater infrastructure where it is most needed, the initiative supports balanced regional development, enhances housing delivery in areas affected by capacity constraints, and ensures that new developments integrate safely and sustainably with the broader public wastewater network.
