New Wastewater Rules to Speed Up Housing Delivery Across Cork Towns and Villages
New wastewater rules to speed up housing construction in Cork towns and villages, with developments of up to 40 homes now possible under streamlined system.
Builders will be able to develop wastewater treatment facilities for housing developments of up to 40 homes under new regulations announced today, a move expected to accelerate construction in Cork's rural communities and smaller towns.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD revealed the Cabinet-approved initiative on 4 November 2025, with Minister of State Christopher O'Sullivan TD highlighting how the changes will particularly benefit modest-sized developments across Cork.
The regulatory reforms will allow low-volume wastewater systems serving up to 40 homes to be authorised through a streamlined registration system operating under General Binding Rules (GBRs) prescribed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Minister O'Sullivan, Christopher:
"I want home delivery unshackled from unnecessary delays in our rural areas. I have been laser focused on what can be done to unlock homes being delivered particularly in our towns and villages across Cork South West. It is because of the challenges faced by towns such as Dunmanway that this practical solution has been developed."
The new partnership model places Uisce Éireann at the centre of collaboration with developers. Under the arrangement, developers will fund and construct wastewater infrastructure to Uisce Éireann's specifications through design-build-transfer agreements. Following commissioning, ownership and operation will transfer to the national water utility.
Uisce Éireann will secure necessary discharge authorisations from the EPA, while developers retain responsibility for planning permission. The Department will issue guidance to planning authorities to ensure consistent assessment criteria across small-scale, multi-unit housing developments.
Minister O'Sullivan, Christopher:
"This is an essential intervention at this stage. My Department has examined this issue carefully with Uisce Éireann, the EPA, and the construction sector. If developers can produce a high quality, EPA approved wastewater system, working with Uisce Éireann and under their guidance, then we should get out of their way so they can do that."
The Minister emphasised that environmental safeguards will remain unchanged, with no compromise on wastewater treatment quality standards. Nature-based solutions such as reed beds, willow beds and wetlands are strongly supported by Uisce Éireann as the most practical and sustainable treatment options for smaller settlements.
The changes aim to address a significant constraint on housing delivery, particularly in areas currently lacking wastewater infrastructure. The Minister intends to adopt GBR regulations by the end of 2025, with the new system operational in early 2026.
Minister O'Sullivan, Christopher:
"These proposals will give clarity and confidence to developers, local authorities, and Uisce Éireann, and will play an important role in accelerating housing delivery where wastewater infrastructure is currently a constraint."
The initiative responds to the Water Framework Directive requirement that Member States ensure statutory requirements exist for point source discharges, either via prohibition, authorisation, or registration based on general binding rules.
