A proposal originally presented to the Oireachtas by Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney to install modular wastewater systems in rural towns and villages has now been adopted by the Government.
Under plans brought to Cabinet by Minister for Housing James Browne, Uisce Éireann is being directed to progress the use of modular units that can be used for new developments or be bolted on to existing wastewater plants to increase capacity and enable the construction of more homes.
The move forms part of a wider policy shift aimed at quickening the pace of housing delivery in areas where development has been stalled by poor wastewater infrastructure.
Mr Cooney said the decision was proof that local innovation can shape national policy.
“This is about delivery and common sense,” he said. “Working with my former colleagues on Clare County Council, we successfully managed to incorporate the potential for modular wastewater treatment systems in the Clare County Development Plan. When elected as a TD, I made a commitment to bring the proposal to the national stage. When a proposal first raised in Clare becomes national policy, it shows that practical ideas can make a real difference.”
Deputy Cooney first proposed the plan to the Dáil during Leader’s Questions in May, calling on Government to embrace modular certified treatment systems as a rapid and practical solution for rural communities where traditional wastewater projects can take years to complete. He said the decision marked an important breakthrough for rural housing.
“This is a clear and positive step forward. Modular systems can be delivered in a matter of months, to EPA standards, and will help unlock thousands of homes across the country,” he said.
Chief executives of the Housing Agency and the Land Development Agency supported Deputy Cooney’s proposal at a meeting of the Oireachtas Housing Committee in July, saying modular systems could help unlock smaller housing projects nationwide.
Under the new plans, Uisce Éireann will oversee compliance with the regulations in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency and will also sign agreements to take ownership of the infrastructure when completed. This means it won’t be long before it must take over any local wastewater scheme delivered to the specified standard by a developer and operate it.
Developers will finance the delivery of the new treatment systems, while Uisce Éireann will be responsible for their operation and maintenance.
Deputy Cooney said the decision would give confidence to builders and communities who have been waiting, in some cases for years, to progress developments which have stalled in villages including Broadford, Carrigaholt, Kilmihil, Doolin, Spanish Point, Cooraclare, Kilkishen and Ruan.
He said he would now urge the Minister, Uisce Éireann and the Environmental Protection Agency to work with companies that manufacture modular units to develop a standardised certification process. To ensure the system can be introduced quickly, he said builders should be able to use approved units “off the shelf” rather than having each planning application and each unit assessed separately by multiple agencies.
Deputy Cooney said he would again be raising the issue at today’s Oireachtas Housing Committee discussion on unlocking barriers to the delivery of housing, which will be attended by representatives of The Housing Alliance, The Irish Home Builders Association, Cairn Homes, Glenveagh Homes and Castlethorn.
Deputy Cooney said he will also raise his concerns about the other delays affecting major infrastructure projects citing the current judicial review process as one of the biggest barriers to progress.