Two Louth Government TDs have welcomed new measures that will allow builders to develop new wastewater treatment facilities in collaboration with Uisce Eireann for smaller housing developments of up to 40 homes. Both Erin McGreehan and Paula Butterly said it will help speed up housing completions in the county.
Deputy McGreehan of Fianna Fail said: “This move will help unshackle home delivery from unnecessary delays in rural areas.” It will allow low-volume wastewater systems that serve up to 40 homes to be authorised through a registration system that is planned to be in operation by early 2026. “The new arrangements will provide greater planning certainty for developers, local authorities like Louth County Council and communities by ensuring a consistent and transparent approach to how wastewater solutions for smaller housing schemes are assessed and approved.
“This follows on from significant action by the Government in recent months. It has extended Rent Pressure Zones nationwide, finalised the National Planning Framework, cut VAT on building apartments and enacted the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 to address expiring planning permissions and encourage activation of housing projects. “We will soon publish our new Housing Strategy and, combined with the significant efforts being made by Minister Jack Chambers to cut red tape on large infrastructure projects, we are going to build the homes and provide the infrastructure we need to grow and thrive as a country.”
Deputy Butterly said serious action is now being taken to ensure water services infrastructure does not constrain the delivery of housing, and the approval by the cabinet for changes to wastewater infrastructure will have major benefits for Louth. The Mid-Louth Fine Gael TD said: “While Uisce Éireann is a driving force in supporting the rollout of new housing, there are circumstances where the expansion of water infrastructure needs to be addressed by the private sector.
“Currently the private sector is developing water services network infrastructure to connect to the Uisce Éireann network and establish temporary wastewater treatment infrastructure in certain circumstances, but we need to expand the possible role of the private sector. “Under these rules developers have to wait for Uisce Éireann to put waste water infrastructure in place, which can seriously delay getting housing delivered in Louth.
“Cabinet agreed today that Uisce Éireann will have responsibility for securing compliance with wastewater discharge regulations and will take ownership of the infrastructure for its future operation and maintenance. “We will ensure information to planning authorities for wastewater treatment for smaller scale multi-unit housing developments are clear to both planners and developers.
“Uisce Éireann will develop a partnership approach with private developers. It will sign-off on all designs, installation works, and connections prior to commissioning and transfer. “This will have a huge impact on getting more homes built in Louth and ensuring major improvements to our wastewater infrastructure.”
