Uisce Éireann Welcomes New Plan to Speed Up Infrastructure Delivery
Uisce Éireann has welcomed the publication of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan by Minister Jack Chambers TD, describing it as an important step toward removing long-standing barriers to delivering essential projects across the country.
The organisation contributed to the work of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce through CEO Niall Gleeson, who served as a member, and secondee Angela Ryan. According to Uisce Éireann, the report’s recommendations closely mirror many of the issues it has repeatedly highlighted — particularly the complex regulatory and approval processes that slow down major water and wastewater schemes.
Currently, progressing a water project can require numerous separate stages, including route and site selection, land acquisition (whether negotiated or via compulsory purchase orders), planning permission, marine area consents, and discharge or abstraction licences. These approvals often run independently of each other, resulting in significant delays. Uisce Éireann has consistently called for a more streamlined and coordinated system, with priority given to applications for critical infrastructure.
Responding to the report, CEO Niall Gleeson said:
“The detailed, time-bound measures in the Action Plan offer a positive and practical route to simplifying the approvals process. We are encouraged by the strong emphasis on implementation and collaboration across sectors. Uisce Éireann will continue to support the Taskforce and ensure these reforms deliver real, long-term improvements for communities across Ireland.”
He added that the organisation looks forward to ongoing engagement with partners and stakeholders “as we work together to deliver the water and wastewater infrastructure required to support housing, economic growth and Ireland’s future development.”
