Help Shape the Future of Wastewater Services in Ireland

Safe and reliable wastewater services are essential to everyday life for everyone in Ireland. They protect rivers, lakes and coastal waters, support thriving communities and help enable new homes, schools, businesses and jobs.

We are inviting members of the public, communities, businesses, local authorities, environmental organisations and other stakeholders to have their say and help shape how wastewater services will be planned and developed for future generations.

An eight-week public consultation opens today on the proposed approach to developing Ireland’s first National Wastewater and Drainage Plan and the proposed scope of the Strategic Environmental Assessment. It gives people an opportunity to influence how wastewater services are planned and delivered into the future.

Our population is growing, more homes are needed, weather patterns are becoming less predictable and our environmental expectations continue to evolve. This means that it is more important than ever to plan for sustainable wastewater services to meet our long-term needs as a society and an economy. The development of a National Wastewater and Drainage Plan will help us plan for the long term, ensuring that investment decisions are informed by robust evidence and a consistent national approach, and reflect the needs of communities across the country.

Stephen Seymour, Head of Asset Management, Uisce Éireann, said: “Ireland’s wastewater network is vast, with over 1000 treatment plants and 26,000 km of pipelines. It is largely invisible yet shapes and supports virtually every community in the country. Most people only think of wastewater when something goes wrong, but these services play a vital role in protecting public health, supporting communities, safeguarding our environment and enabling housing and economic growth.

“The first national plan will help us better understand where future risks and pressures may arise and how we can plan ahead to ensure our wastewater infrastructure continues to meet Ireland's needs to 2055. The people who live, work and operate businesses in communities across Ireland have valuable knowledge and perspectives and we want to listen to those views and understand what matters most to people.

“A key feature of the proposed approach is the introduction of a national set of indicators, which will measure how our wastewater system is performing, identifying future vulnerability and long-term planning needs. We are seeking feedback on whether these indicators are clear, meaningful, measurable and appropriate, and whether additional indicators should be considered. The feedback received through this consultation will help inform the development of the Plan."

Have Your Say:

Consultation documents are available at www.water.ie/nwwdp and submissions can be made through:

• Online: consult.water.ie
• Email: NWWDP@water.ie
• Post: National Wastewater and Drainage Plan (NWWDP), Uisce Éireann, PO Box 860, South City Delivery Office, Cork City

The consultation will remain open until midnight on 17 December 2026.
We will also host a public webinar on 16 November 2026 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, providing an opportunity to learn more about the proposed approach, the Strategic Environmental Assessment process and how to participate in the consultation. Sign up on our website or register directly using this link: Register

Following the consultation, all submissions will be reviewed and considered. Feedback received will help inform the preparation of the Draft National Wastewater and Drainage Plan, the refinement of the proposed methodology and Performance Indicators, the Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report and the Appropriate Assessment.