How the NWWDP will work

To meet future trends and changing requirements, the National Wastewater and Drainage Plan (NWWDP) will provide a consistent, evidence-based, adaptable framework for assessing these changes, understanding future risks, and identifying long-term planning and investment needs.

Key phases of the NWWDP

A circular diagram illustrating a seven-stage process for wastewater and drainage needs

step 1

Proposed Approach and Strategic Context

This establishes the foundations for developing the NWWDP.
step 2

Data Gathering

This involves collecting information on the performance of public wastewater systems across Ireland.
step 3

Risk Assessment

This assesses how future changes may affect wastewater services and the communities and environments they support.
step 4

Problem Characterisation

This refers to the process of identifying, analysing, and understanding the challenges or issues within a wastewater and drainage system.
step 5

Options Development Appraisal

This considers the opportunities and options and appraises them using a methodology.
step 6

Programme Appraisal

This includes a review of the suite of interventions identified within the Options Development Appraisal to form a 25 year Least Cost Plan and a Best Value Plan.
step 7

Reporting

We will take a bottom-up approach to the development and reporting of the NWWDP, initially developing plans at agglomeration or sub-agglomeration level and then creating plans at a larger scale.

Proposed Performance Indicators

Performance Indicators are at the heart of the proposed approach. They will provide a consistent framework for assessing recent, current and future wastewater system performance, future vulnerability and investment need across wastewater agglomerations.

As part of this consultation, we want your views on whether the proposed Performance Indicators are clear, meaningful, measurable and appropriate, and whether additional indicators or refinements should be considered.

Data coverage and confidence vary, so the National Wastewater and Drainage Plan (NWWDP) will record data confidence transparently and use identified gaps to guide future monitoring and data improvement.

An infographic landscape illustrating wastewater performance indicators and areas of responsibility across urban and natural environments.

Performance Indicators Factsheet

For more information on these indicators and how they will be used, please see the Performance Indicators Factsheet.

View the factsheet View the factsheet - opens in a new tab

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