Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has urged the Government to ensure modular wastewater treatment systems deliver on their promise of transforming housing opportunities in rural Ireland without being tied up in red tape.
In its newly published Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, under action 15, the Government has included Deputy Cooney’s proposal that modular wastewater treatment systems are an opportunity for developers to support Uisce Éireann in the delivery of this critical infrastructure. These can be used for new developments or added to existing plants to increase capacity and enable the construction of more homes.
A deadline of the third quarter of 2026 has been set for the publication of planning guidance to allow the measure to proceed.
In a letter to Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, Deputy Cooney welcomed the Department’s recognition of modular systems as a tool to support the sustainability of smaller towns and villages. He described the move as a potential game changer for un-serviced settlements but warned that the initiative must not become bogged down in bureaucracy.
He said the Government and Uisce Eireann must avoid creating a “technical jungle” when setting out general planning guidance for the scheme.
“For modular wastewater systems to be truly transformative in delivering housing, particularly in rural areas, the guidance must be practical and accessible rather than restrictive,” he told the Minister.
Deputy Cooney also called for a standardised certification process involving Uisce Éireann, the Environmental Protection Agency, industry representatives and the Department to give builders certainty and speed up deployment.
He suggested a grant scheme to ease costs for homebuyers, framed as a rural community support measure that could help repopulate areas experiencing deprivation and decline. He further asked for clear direction to be issued to local authorities on planning permissions and Section 28 Guidelines to ensure they can include developer provided infrastructure when designating appropriate parcels of land for future development and assessing planning applications.
Minister Browne welcomed Deputy Cooney’s engagement, confirming that general planning guidance will be issued shortly to give local authorities a consistent basis for assessing applications.
He told the Clare TD, “I appreciate your acknowledgement of the recent steps taken in this area and your recognition of the positive contribution these systems can make to enabling appropriate development in serviced settlements.”
“Your suggestions, particularly in relation to the establishment of a standardised certification process are constructive and helpful,” added the Minister. “Ensuring clarity and consistency for local authorities, developers and communities is an important consideration, and the points you have raised will inform the ongoing work now under way in this space.”
Minister Browne continued, “You also referred to enquiries from local builders and landowners seeking guidance on how best to proceed. There is a clear need for a practical and well-defined process for applicants, and this is being reflected in the work currently under way with the relevant stakeholders.”