Uisce Éireann has announced that its Water Services Strategic Plan 2050 (WSSP 2050) has been approved by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD and subsequently adopted by the Uisce Éireann Board.

The WSSP 2050 is the water company’s long-term strategic plan to support growth, protect the environment and deliver resilient water services for its customers for the next 25 years.

The plan sets out objectives and the means by which Uisce Eireann aims to achieve them - WSSP 2050 outlines the strategic direction and the actions the utility will implement to ensure sustainable public water services for Ireland. It will replace the previous WSSP from 2015, which covered the period from 2015 to 2040.

The draft WSSP 2050 was subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in accordance with the European Union SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) and Appropriate Assessment (under the EU Habitats Directive). The WSSP Plan 2050, is one of a suite of plans and policy documents guiding the delivery of water and wastewater services in Ireland.

Announcing the adoption of WSSP 2050, Uisce Éireann said the company operates in a rapidly changing global environment that will bring enormous challenges for the delivery of water services including climate change, population and economic growth, environmental and biodiversity crisis, legislation, regulation and policy changes, economic conditions and aging infrastructure.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD commented:

“I am pleased to approve Uisce Éireann’s Water Services Strategic Plan 2050 which sets out the delivery of safe, secure and sustainable water services for the next 25 years. I commend everyone who worked on the plan and thank those who took part in the consultation process. Investment and delivery in water and wastewater services benefits all aspects of life in Ireland, from protecting public health, supporting the delivery of housing and jobs, and enhancing our environment and precious water resources.”

Sean Laffey, Asset Management and Sustainability Director with Uisce Éireann, added:

“The Water Services Strategic Plan is an important document that will set out how we will manage Ireland’s water and wastewater services for the next quarter century. This critical infrastructure will underpin economic development and housing delivery, while safeguarding public health and enhancing the environment, enabling communities to thrive. We thank all our stakeholders who engaged with us during the consultation process on how these essential services are managed and delivered, for the benefit of customers and communities throughout Ireland.”

Click here to download WSSP 2050