Cork City and Six Cork Towns Named Among 72 National Priority Locations for Uisce Éireann Investment

Cork City and six Cork County towns have been named among 72 cities, towns and villages identified nationally by Uisce Éireann as priority locations for water and wastewater investment.

The announcement, made on 2 September 2026, forms part of the Government's additional €2 billion funding programme under the National Development Plan, aimed at unlocking capacity for new homes and supporting growing communities.

Cork City is one of five cities named under the National Planning Framework, alongside Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. Locally, Cobh, Midleton, Passage West, Ballincollig, Carrigtwohill and Carrigaline have been designated as Strategic Growth Areas, while Mallow and Clonakilty feature among the 32 Key Towns and Bandon appears among the areas of high projected growth.

Uisce Éireann said the 72 locations were identified through a review of national, regional and local development plans, focusing on areas where significant growth is planned and where investment can unlock housing and deliver the greatest benefit for communities. The full list of priority locations is available on the Uisce Éireann website.

The €2 billion allocation is separate to the €10.2 billion already secured by Uisce Éireann to support environmental compliance, public health, growth and water and wastewater services nationwide. Of the new funding, €1.7 billion is earmarked for the priority growth locations, with a further €300 million allocated to support housing and development in rural communities.

Sean Laffey, Asset Management and Sustainability Director, Uisce Éireann:

"Water and wastewater services are essential to every community. They support homes, schools, businesses and the services people rely on every day. We would to thank the Government for this additional €2 billion investment which will help create the water and wastewater capacity needed to support new homes and enable communities across Ireland to grow and thrive. By identifying these priority locations we are providing greater clarity for local authorities, government departments, developers and other stakeholders, helping improve coordination across the housing sector and supporting the delivery of new homes and stronger communities. The initial focus on 72 cities, towns and villages, alongside dedicated investment in rural communities, will create the capacity needed to support new homes, enable economic growth and help communities across Ireland reach their full potential."

Uisce Éireann said the investment supports the Government's target of delivering 300,000 new homes by 2030.