Move will accelerate housing delivery, particularly for smaller developments across provincial towns and villages

Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan has welcomed new measures introduced today that will enable builders to develop new wastewater treatment facilities in collaboration with Uisce Éireann for smaller housing developments of up to 40 homes.

Deputy McGreehan has stated that “this move will help unshackle home delivery from unnecessary delays in rural areas.”

She added that this move by Minister Browne is the latest in a series of significant efforts underway by Government to build more homes and rapidly increase the speed at which the State delivers critical infrastructure

Speaking on the announcement Deputy McGreehan:

“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 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.”

Concluding Deputy McGreehan stated:

“Fianna Fáil, along with Minister for Housing James Browne, is leaving no stone unturned in accelerating the delivery of new homes across the country, including in our rural communities.”

END

Notes to Editor

In the partnership approach: Uisce Éireann (UÉ) will collaborate with developers in the establishment of the wastewater infrastructure.

Under this model:

• Uisce Éireann will work with developers to establish the wastewater infrastructure and UE will secure the necessary discharge authorisations from the EPA.
• Developers will retain responsibility for planning permission and will fund and construct the infrastructure to Uisce Éireann’s specifications under a design–build–transfer agreement.
• Following commissioning, ownership and operation will transfer to Uisce Éireann.
• The Department will issue a circular to planning authorities to ensure consistent application of assessment criteria for wastewater options in small-scale, multi-unit housing developments providing greater clarity for both planners and developers.

The new arrangements will provide greater planning certainty for developers, local authorities, and communities by ensuring a consistent and transparent approach to how wastewater solutions for smaller housing schemes are assessed and approved.

The Minister intends to adopt regulations for GBRs for small-scale discharges by the end of this year, with the new system operational in early 2026.

Minister Browne noted that Uisce Éireann strongly supports the use of nature-based solutions (NBS) –such as reed beds, willow beds and wetlands – as the most practical and sustainable wastewater treatment option for smaller settlements.

Article 11(3)(g) of the EU’s Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) requires Member States to ensure that for point source discharges liable to cause pollution, statutory requirements exist for prior regulation – either via prohibition, authorisation, or , or registration based on general binding rules(GBRS), laying down emission controls for the pollutants concerned.

For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.