Press release
Minister Burke announces new regulations streamlining the planning process for Irish Water
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
Peter Burke, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has today announced that he has signed new regulations entitled the Planning and Development (Amendment)(No. 2) Regulations 2022. The new regulations enable Irish Water to apply for planning permission in respect of waste water treatment plants and other water related infrastructure on sites they do not yet own, and where it would be Irish Water's intention to compulsorily acquire the land if planning permission was subsequently granted. The change was implemented by Minister Burke to avoid undue delays and streamline work processes undertaken by Irish Water to provide citizens with clean water.
Minister Burke said:
“This measure removes the need for Irish Water to compulsorily acquire land prior to applying for planning permission. Up to now, Irish Water first had to CPO land, which is a timely and costly process, before applying for permission which may ultimately have been refused.
“It is important to note that the new regulations do not pre-determine the outcome of either the planning or the CPO process.
“The primary aim of the new arrangements is to assist in streamlining and expediting the provision of waste water treatment to households across the country.
“A record level of funding is being invested in our network, with Budget 2023 allocating €1.55 billion to Irish Water to assist them in their vital work. Government must ensure the planning system supports these efforts so that our communities and citizens reap the full benefit of this investment.”