Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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590. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the criteria and regulatory safeguards to be applied under the proposed scheme allowing developers to construct their own wastewater treatment infrastructure for new housing developments; the process by which such privately built systems will be certified, adopted and maintained by Uisce Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61149/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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592. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he has engaged with the Environmental Protection Agency and Uisce Éireann to establish a clear licensing and compliance framework for privately constructed wastewater treatment systems proposed under the new developer-led housing infrastructure plan; the measures that will ensure long-term environmental monitoring and accountability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61151/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 590 and 592 together.

I have engaged extensively with both Uisce Éireann and the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a clear and robust licensing and compliance framework for privately constructed wastewater treatment systems under the new developer-led housing infrastructure initiative.

Specifically Uisce Éireann will work with developers to approve designs, oversee construction, and will assume ownership once systems are commissioned, taking responsibility for regulatory compliance and ensuring all technical and environmental standards are met.

For smaller-scale systems, a registration process based on General Binding Rules will simplify authorisation while maintaining strong environmental safeguards.

This partnership approach supports a consistent, sustainable and accountable model for wastewater management in new housing developments, providing clarity for developers and long-term protection for the environment.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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591. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his Department has identified towns or villages in Cork where housing development has been delayed due to lack of wastewater infrastructure; the number of such settlements nationally; and the way in which the new developer-led wastewater proposal will prioritise these areas. [61150/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is aware that wastewater capacity constraints have affected housing delivery in a number of settlements nationally. Uisce Éireann maintains capacity registers that identify towns and villages where wastewater treatment plants are at or near capacity.

Under the new Government-approved developer-led wastewater framework, developers will be able to fund and construct wastewater treatment infrastructure in settlements nationally subject to Uisce Éireann’s technical oversight and EPA authorisation, with completed infrastructure transferring to the ownership of Uisce Éireann for long-term operation. This approach will help unlock housing in areas where lack of wastewater capacity has been a barrier to development.