“As well as securing safe and reliable drinking water for all our communities, this investment reflects the Government’s commitment to, and the key role of water infrastructure in meeting our ambitious housing targets. Prioritising water and wastewater infrastructure will help to deliver the capacity needed to facilitate housing development in our towns and villages as well as our urban centres.

“In tandem with the investment in our national water infrastructure managed by Uisce Éireann, the broader funding under this plan will play a huge role in supporting our rural communities. I particularly welcome the €230 million that will be invested under this sectoral plan in rural water infrastructure. This funding will underpin the provision of safe and secure water services to rural areas that do not have access to Uisce Éireann services.”

“The Government is committed to improving and maintaining water quality in rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Under this plan, €306 million has been set aside to scale up and enhance targeted initiatives such as the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP); urban nature based solution projects to manage surface water drainage; and the barrier mitigation programme to improve river habitats.

“All of these initiatives, backed up by strong investment from the Government through this sectoral plan, will improve water quality in our rivers and lakes, strengthen habitats, and help entire ecosystems to thrive.”

“My Department will be working closely with Uisce Éireann and our partners across Government to drive the implementation of this plan for the water sector, and to support the broader goals of our new National Housing Plan. Tackling the housing crisis requires a cross-government approach, and our new water sector plan will be a key part of this.”