Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2026
161. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given to introducing measures to support compulsory purchase or facilitated land transfer mechanisms for small rural communities where critical infrastructure is being impeded by lack of available land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22970/26]
View answerThe National Strategic Objectives (NSOs) and National Policy Objectives (NPOs) of the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF) support the development of vibrant rural communities and the development of new housing in rural towns and villages. Specifically, National Policy Objective 26 supports the proportionate growth of and appropriately designed development in rural towns that will contribute to their regeneration and renewal, including interventions in the public realm, the provision of amenities, the acquisition of sites and the provision of services. The National Strategic Objectives of the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF) support the development of vibrant rural communities and the development of housing in rural towns and villages.
In rural Ireland, many people seek the opportunity to build their own homes but find it difficult to do so in smaller settlements because of a lack of available sites and services. Wastewater infrastructural constraints have been identified as a limiting factor for housing delivery in settlements where existing Uisce Éireann wastewater treatment capacity is not immediately available.
To address this, my Department recently launched the Developer-Led Infrastructure (DLI) Initiative for Wastewater Services to support Housing Delivery. This collaborative delivery model between developers and Uisce Éireann for the provision of new wastewater infrastructure is the core of the new arrangements. Under this model, the developer will finance and construct the required infrastructure in accordance with Uisce Éireann standards, with Uisce Éireann then taking ownership of the land/facility and the responsibility for ongoing operation and regulatory compliance.
This approach will enable wastewater infrastructure to be planned and built as part of new housing developments and support the continued development of rural communities.
