Louth TD welcomes private sector role in developing wastewater systems
Says move will accelerate housing delivery, particularly for smaller developments across provincial towns and villages
Louth Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan has welcomed new measures introduced today that will enable builders to develop new wastewater treatment facilities in collaboration with Uisce Éireann for smaller housing developments of up to 40 homes.
Deputy McGreehan said that “this move will help unshackle home delivery from unnecessary delays in rural areas.” She added that this move by Minister Browne is the latest in a series of significant efforts underway by Government to build more homes and rapidly increase the speed at which the State delivers critical infrastructure
Speaking on the announcement Deputy McGreehan explained: "It will allow low-volume wastewater systems that serve up to 40 homes to be authorised through a registration system that is planned to be in operation by early 2026.
"The new arrangements will provide greater planning certainty for developers, local authorities like Louth County Council and communities by ensuring a consistent and transparent approach to how wastewater solutions for smaller housing schemes are
assessed and approved."
The Louth TD went on to say it follows on what she called "significant action" by Government in recent months, in extending Rent Pressure Zones nationwide, finalising the National Planning Framework, cutting VAT on building apartments, and enacting the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 to address expiring planning permissions and encourage activation of housing projects.
Deputy McGreehan added, "we will soon publish our new Housing Strategy and, combined with the significant efforts being made by Minister Jack Chambers to cut red tape on large infrastructure projects, we are going to build the homes and provide the infrastructure we need to grow and thrive as a country."