Developer Led Infrastructure (DLI)
Developer Led Infrastructure (DLI) refers to temporary or permanent wastewater treatment infrastructure provided by a Developer, in accordance with Uisce Éireann specifications, to facilitate housing development where public wastewater treatment capacity does not exist in the area in question.
The Developer Led Infrastructure (DLI) initiative facilitates the provision by Developers of different types of wastewater treatment infrastructure for new housing schemes. The infrastructure includes:
- Small Discharge Infrastructure (SDI) - This may be considered for smaller developments (150 Population Equivalent (PE) or less), where the distance from the existing public wastewater network means that a connection to it is not technically feasible.
- Network Connected Infrastructure (NCI) - This may be considered where a wastewater network is available, but treatment capacity is constrained and no increase in capacity is programmed within Uisce Éireann’s current investment plans.
- Temporary Bridging Infrastructure (TBI) - This may be considered where a wastewater network is available, but treatment capacity is constrained and an increase in capacity is programmed within Uisce Éireann’s current investment plans.
Uisce Éireann has developed a Guidance Document, Technical Standard for NBS and Minimum Requirements for Non-NBS to support Developers with the implementation of Developer Led Infrastructure (DLI) in multi-unit housing Developments.
This approach is intended to:
- Support the Government’s initiative to enable housing activity in areas where public wastewater treatment capacity does not exist; and
- Maintain the necessary safeguards to ensure that environmental compliance is achieved for discharges from newly constructed eligible development.
Developer Led Infrastructure Initiative Documents
Nature-Based Solutions
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) typically comprise of three core components: a septic tank, reed bed and willow bed. These systems are designed to treat wastewater naturally and maximise periods of zero discharge during drier months of the year. NBS may be considered for eligible Small Discharge Infrastructure (SDI) developments of 150 Population Equivalent (PE) or less, subject to technical assessment and approval.
Non-Nature-Based Solutions
Treatment infrastructure can also be in the form of proprietary wastewater treatment plants with discharge of treated wastewater to Surface Water or the Uisce Éireann wastewater network. These solutions may be considered where a Nature-Based Solution is not suitable or feasible (subject to assessment, compliance with Uisce Éireann's Minimum Requirements for Non-NBS and relevant approvals).