Housing Minister James Browne TD announces new private sector role in developing wastewater systems
- Published on: 4 November 2025
- Last updated on: 4 November 2025
Move will accelerate housing delivery, particularly for smaller developments across provincial towns and villages
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD has announced today that builders will be able to develop new wastewater treatment facilities in collaboration with Uisce Éireann for smaller housing developments of up to 40 homes.
The significant initiative brought to Cabinet today aims to accelerate housing delivery by introducing regulatory changes that allow low-volume wastewater systems (serving up to 40 homes) to be authorised through a registration system. This system will operate under General Binding Rules (GBRs) prescribed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Speaking on the initiative to promote local housing delivery, Minister Browne said:
“I want home delivery unshackled from unnecessary delays in our rural areas. I have been laser focused on what can be done to unlock homes being delivered particularly in our smaller towns and villages across the country, and this is an essential intervention at this stage. My Department has examined this issue carefully with Uisce Éireann, the EPA, and the construction sector. If developers can produce a high quality, EPA approved wastewater system, working with Uisce Eireann and under their guidance, then we should get out of their way so they can do that.
“This approach enables housing development in areas currently lacking wastewater infrastructure while ensuring environmental safeguards are maintained. I see that as absolutely key - there will be no change or challenge to quality of the wastewater treatment. We are just cutting through unnecessary hoops for activation.
“I want to be very clear. I am leaving no stone unturned in my ambition to accelerate the delivery of more homes across all areas of the country - including in our more rural areas."
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.
Minister Browne emphasised:
“The challenge is clear - wastewater infrastructure can be a limiting factor for housing delivery, especially in rural areas. This is a practical, partnership-based approach that strikes the right balance between housing delivery, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability.
“These proposals will give clarity and confidence to developers, local authorities, and Uisce Éireann – and will play an important role in accelerating housing delivery where wastewater infrastructure is currently a constraint.”
ENDS
Notes to the editor:
- Article 11(3)(g) of the 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.