Uisce Éireann adopts Water Services Strategic Plan 2050

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section

• The Water Services Strategic Plan 2050 is Uisce Éireann’s long-term strategic plan to support growth, protect the environment and deliver resilient water services for our customers for the next 25 years.
• It sets out objectives and the means by which Uisce Eireann aims to achieve them while taking into account significant challenges such as climate change, population and economic growth, environmental and biodiversity crisis, legalisation, regulation and policy changes, economic conditions and aging infrastructure.

Uisce Éireann has announced that its Water Services Strategic Plan 2050 (WSSP 2050) has been approved by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD and subsequently adopted by the Uisce Éireann Board. The WSSP 2050 is Uisce Éireann’s long-term strategic plan which is required to be prepared under the Water Services No. 2 Act 2013. The plan outlines the strategic direction and the actions the utility will implement to ensure sustainable public water services for Ireland. It will replace the previous WSSP from 2015, which covered the period from 2015 to 2040.

The draft WSSP 2050 was subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in accordance with the European Union SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) and Appropriate Assessment (under the EU Habitats Directive) and these documents are available to view on our website.

Providing safe, secure and sustainable water services is vital for our society, to protect public health, support the delivery of housing and jobs, and to protect our environment and precious water resources. We have a vital job to do and many challenges and opportunities as we look ahead to 2050. Our 25-year strategy, the Water Services Strategic Plan 2050, is one of a suite of plans and policy documents guiding the delivery of water and wastewater services in Ireland.

A public consultation was held in the summer of 2024 which enabled everyone to engage with Uisce Éireann in the development of our 25 year strategy for the delivery of water services in Ireland. As well as gathering feedback related to the WSSP 2050 the results of this public consultation provided an insight into attitudes towards public water and wastewater services and the challenges we face now and into the future.

Uisce Éireann operates in a rapidly changing global environment that will bring enormous challenges for the delivery of water services including climate change, population and economic growth, environmental and biodiversity crisis, legislation, regulation and policy changes, economic conditions and aging infrastructure. Strong partnerships underpin our approach to planning for the future, with the aim of delivering mutual benefits and value. Through the delivery of our WSSP 2050, we will build on the legacy of our local authority water services heritage, working with our customers, communities, and stakeholders to enhance our shared environment and support social and economic development. We aim to lead by example and embrace research and innovation, integrating new technologies and sustainable practices to secure safe and reliable water supply into the future while protecting the environment.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD commented: “I am pleased to approve Uisce Éireann’s Water Services Strategic Plan 2050 which sets out the delivery of safe, secure and sustainable water services for the next 25 years. I commend everyone who worked on the plan and thank those who took part in the consultation process. Investment and delivery in water and wastewater services benefits all aspects of life in Ireland, from protecting public health, supporting the delivery of housing and jobs, and enhancing our environment and precious water resources.”

Sean Laffey, Asset Management and Sustainability Director with Uisce Éireann, added: “The Water Services Strategic Plan is an important document that will set out how we will manage Ireland’s water and wastewater services for the next quarter century. This critical infrastructure will underpin economic development and housing delivery, while safeguarding public health and enhancing the environment, enabling communities to thrive. We thank all our stakeholders who engaged with us during the consultation process on how these essential services are managed and delivered, for the benefit of customers and communities throughout Ireland.”