National Wastewater and Drainage Plan

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We are developing our first national strategic plan for all public wastewater systems. The National Wastewater and Drainage Plan (NWWDP) will provide a long-term, nationally consistent and evidence-based framework for understanding current performance, assessing future risks and identifying future planning and investment needs to 2055. 

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  • Consultation opens: 22 October 2026 at 9:00am
  • Consultation closes: 17 December 2026 at Midnight
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What we are consulting on

This is the first formal stage of public consultation on the NWWDP.

We are seeking your views on:

  • the challenges, opportunities and future trends that should shape the Plan;
  • the proposed approach to developing the NWWDP;
  • the proposed Performance Indicators;
  • the scope and methodology of the Strategic Environmental Assessment; and
  • how Uisce Éireann should communicate and engage as the Plan develops.

We are also seeking feedback on the proposed scope of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), providing an opportunity for people to influence how wastewater services are planned and delivered into the future.

Feedback will inform the preparation of the Draft NWWDP and its accompanying environmental assessments.

View our consultation page for more information on submissions.

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Project overview

The NWWDP will establish the strategic foundations for wastewater planning in the period to 2055.

First national plan

The NWWDP is Uisce Éireann's first national plan for all public wastewater systems, establishing a consistent, evidence-based and adaptive approach to assessing current performance, future risk, and future investment and planning needs to 2055.

Pressures on wastewater systems

Ireland's wastewater and drainage systems face increasing pressure from population growth, housing delivery, economic development, climate change, evolving environmental requirements and changing customer behaviour.

Performance indicators

The NWWDP will focus on how decisions are made rather than on a predetermined list of projects. It will establish the Performance Indicators and assessment processes used to understand current and future performance, risk and need.

Collaboration

Because wastewater performance is influenced by systems beyond the public wastewater infrastructure - including surface water, urban runoff, flooding and receiving waters - the NWWDP is being developed in collaboration with local authorities, regulators, Government departments, environmental bodies, infrastructure providers, community groups and other stakeholders.

Strategic foundation

The NWWDP will provide a strategic foundation and long-term evidence base to inform future capital investment planning and future programmes, while allowing the Plan to be reviewed and updated as evidence, policy, legislation and future conditions change.

What the NWWDP is:

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A 25-year national strategic plan for Ireland's public wastewater systems.

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A repeatable methodology for assessing current performance, future risk, need, and opportunity.

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A framework built around proposed Performance Indicators, data, risk assessment and unconstrained optioneering.

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A strategic options and Best Value framework considering whole-life cost, carbon, statutory requirements and wider benefits.

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An integrated planning approach recognising shared systems and responsibilities.

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A foundation for future planning, programmes and capital investment cycles.

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Informed by consultation and ongoing engagement with stakeholders across Ireland.

Contact the NWWDP team

For questions about the NWWDP or this consultation:

Email: nwwdp@water.ie

Post: National Wastewater and Drainage Plan (NWWDP), Uisce Éireann, PO Box 860, South City Delivery Office, Cork City

Online: Consultation portal: www.consult.water.ie