Uisce Éireann has launched a wide-ranging eight-week public consultation on the future of wastewater services in Ireland.
Ireland’s water company is inviting members of the public, communities, businesses, local authorities, environmental organisations and other stakeholders to have their say and help shape how wastewater services will be planned and developed for future generations.
The consultation sets out the proposed approach to developing Ireland’s first National Wastewater and Drainage Plan ( NWWDP) and the proposed scope of the Strategic Environmental Assessment.
In the first formal stage of public consultation on the NWWDP, Uisce Éireann is seeking 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.
The utility is 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.
Key feature of proposed approach is introduction of a national set of indicators
Stephen Seymour, Head of Asset Management, Uisce Éireann, said:
“Ireland’s wastewater network is vast, with over 1000 treatment plants and 26,000 km of pipelines. It is largely invisible yet shapes and supports virtually every community in the country. Most people only think of wastewater when something goes wrong, but these services play a vital role in protecting public health, supporting communities, safeguarding our environment and enabling housing and economic growth.
“The first national plan will help us better understand where future risks and pressures may arise and how we can plan ahead to ensure our wastewater infrastructure continues to meet Ireland's needs to 2055. The people who live, work and operate businesses in communities across Ireland have valuable knowledge and perspectives and we want to listen to those views and understand what matters most to people.
“A key feature of the proposed approach is the introduction of a national set of indicators, which will measure how our wastewater system is performing, identifying future vulnerability and long-term planning needs. We are seeking feedback on whether these indicators are clear, meaningful, measurable and appropriate, and whether additional indicators should be considered. The feedback received through this consultation will help inform the development of the Plan."
Performance Indicators at heart of proposed approach
A fundamental component of the proposed methodology is the use of Performance Indicators as the primary means of assessing current system performance, future vulnerability and investment need.
The proposed performance indicators cover a range of themes, including:
- Sewer flooding and drainage performance;
- Storm water overflow performance;
- Wastewater treatment capacity and compliance;
- Waterbody quality and environmental objectives;
- Pollution incidents and environmental protection;
- Energy neutrality; and
- Wastewater biosolids.
Uisce Éireann will also host a public webinar on 16 November 2026 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, providing an opportunity to learn more about the proposed approach, the Strategic Environmental Assessment process and how to participate in the consultation.
Following the consultation, all submissions will be reviewed and considered. Feedback received will help inform the preparation of the Draft National Wastewater and Drainage Plan, the refinement of the proposed methodology and Performance Indicators, the Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report and the Appropriate Assessment.
Responses to the consultation can be made via:
Online: consult.water.ie
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Post: National Wastewater and Drainage Plan (NWWDP), Uisce Éireann, PO Box 860, South City Delivery Office, Cork City
The consultation will remain open until midnight on 17 December 2026. Feedback will inform the preparation of the Draft NWWDP and its accompanying environmental assessments.
Click here to access the consultation documents
Click here to register for the public webinar on 16 November 2026 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm
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