Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2026
162. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on supports available for the development of Integrated Constructed Wetlands (ICWs) in rural villages; whether additional funding or technical assistance can be provided to accelerate delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22971/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of public wastewater infrastructure is, in the normal course, the statutory responsibility of Uisce Éireann, which plans, delivers and operates water services, also undertaking the necessary capital investment.
My Department has approved significant funding for a pilot scheme to enable local authorities to develop wastewater infrastructure in a number of small settlements that currently cannot access existing Uisce Éireann services. This pilot was limited in scope and there are no plans at present to reopen or extend it.
I have recently announced the new Developer-Led Wastewater Infrastructure (DLI) initiative to promote the delivery of wastewater solutions in locations without access to Uisce Éireann infrastructure or where existing capacity is constrained and no immediate upgrade is planned. Under the initiative, developers may fund and construct wastewater infrastructure, which will transfer to Uisce Éireann ownership upon completion. These solutions may include nature-based approaches, such as integrated constructed wetlands. All infrastructure built must meet Uisce Éireann’s technical standards and environmental standards.
The initiative which is now fully operational will support sustainable housing development by enabling timely wastewater solutions in areas affected by capacity constraints, helping to accelerate the delivery of essential infrastructure. It is a matter for developers to identify locations where new infrastructure may be developed.
There are no proposals within my Department to provide public funding to integrated constructed wetlands or similar schemes operating independently of Uisce Éireann’s capital programme.
Any proposals to address local wastewater capacity constraints must be developed in consultation with Uisce Éireann.
