Developers take lead in building wastewater treatment plants for small housing projects

Private developers in Ireland will now be able to construct wastewater treatment plants for small housing developments of up to 40 homes, giving them a direct role in the delivery of critical infrastructure.

Previously the responsibility of Uisce Éireann alone, the new approach allows builders to partner with the national water utility to accelerate housing projects, particularly in rural towns and villages.

Under the updated system, developers can have low-volume wastewater systems authorised through a registration process governed by General Binding Rules (GBRs) set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While Uisce Éireann will oversee compliance, builders will be responsible for planning, constructing, and handing over facilities that meet regulatory standards.

This change opens opportunities for developers to expand their service offerings, including the design and delivery of small-scale water infrastructure. By managing the construction themselves, developers can streamline timelines and integrate infrastructure with housing projects more efficiently, reducing delays often caused by reliance on utility-led implementation.

Developers are also expected to adopt best practices in sustainability and operational efficiency. Investments in design, construction, and compliance processes will be critical to ensure all systems meet EPA and Uisce Éireann standards, while long-term operational reliability remains intact.

Industry observers highlight the potential for innovation as developers introduce varied designs and construction methods under regulatory oversight. However, experts caution that maintaining standardisation and ensuring proper handover will be essential to avoid future operational challenges or cost overruns.

The new policy will take effect from early next year, positioning developers as key players in the national procurement of small-scale water infrastructure. By directly engaging in infrastructure delivery, builders can now influence project outcomes, enhance efficiency, and support housing expansion while complying with regulatory requirements.

Explore how this development allows builders to directly shape small-scale infrastructure delivery in the full story.