The Minister for Housing’s plan to allow private developers directly deliver wastewater infrastructure would amount to an abdication of responsibility by the government, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne.
Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said:
“I have serious concerns about this proposal, which would see Uisce Éireann facilitate the development of wastewater infrastructure by the private sector.
“This move is straight out of the FF/FG playbook of privatising and outsourcing housing and infrastructure delivery.
“The Minister’s approach is fraught with danger. It has the potential to cause future issues with wastewater systems if developers cut corners to increase profits and do the bare minimum to comply with standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and Uisce Éireann.
“Further clarity is also needed on the process for Uisce Éireann taking ownership of completed infrastructure, as envisaged in the Minister’s plan – and how much this could end up costing the taxpayer.
“We need to end the vicious cycle of over-dependence on the private sector to deliver key infrastructure.
“Instead of increasing the State’s reliance on private developers to end infrastructure blockages to housing, the government should be allocating Uisce Éireann the funding it needs to directly deliver these schemes.”
November 4, 2025