Written answers

Wednesday, 8 October 2025

Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government

Wastewater Treatment

Photo of Cathal CroweCathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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114. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will provide details of pilot sewage schemes in small villages that is being led by his Department; if his Department is open to the possibility of new developments using package sewerage treatment plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53443/25]

Photo of Christopher O'SullivanChristopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
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The details sought on the pilot projects approved for funding in principle under my Department's initiative are set out in the table below:

Location Local authority Number of existing houses
Ballygawley Sligo 53
Broadford Clare 90
Cooraclare Clare 64
Clarinbridge Galway 130
Craughwell Galway 285
Ramsgrange Wexford 86
Beaufort Kerry 88
This funding measure is provided for pilot wastewater projects in seven locations, with the intention of helping to inform a long-term, evidence-based national policy for small-scale treatment.

The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for regulating wastewater discharges to the aquatic environment. Uisce Éireann is required to apply to the Agency for a discharge authorisation for any new wastewater treatment plant.

It is a matter for Uisce Éireann in the first instance therefore to determine what technology is most appropriate in any specific location and the final decision on the grant of an authorisation is for the Agency.

I understand that Uisce Éireann is evaluating the options for locations that require treatment of comparatively small volumes of wastewater.

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