Mayo towns set to benefit from €2bn Uisce Éireann investment to support new homes

Two communities in Mayo are set to benefit from a major new investment in water and wastewater infrastructure aimed at unlocking housing development and supporting population growth.

Uisce Éireann has welcomed Government approval of an additional €2 billion investment programme under the National Development Plan, with the funding intended to help unlock capacity for new homes and support growing communities across Ireland.

The utility has identified 72 cities, towns and villages nationwide as priority locations for investment, following a review of national, regional and local development plans. The review focused on areas where significant housing growth is planned and where investment in water and wastewater services could help unlock development.

Ballina and Castlebar have been identified among 72 priority locations nationwide for investment in water and wastewater infrastructure as part of a new €2 billion Government funding programme.

The two Mayo towns are included among the 32 Key Towns identified in regional and local development plans as locations where investment in water and wastewater infrastructure can help facilitate planned growth.

The overall €2 billion package comprises €1.7 billion for priority growth locations and €300 million for rural communities.

Uisce Éireann said increasing infrastructure capacity will help provide greater certainty for local authorities, housing and planning bodies and developers by identifying where strategic water and wastewater investment can support future growth.

The additional funding comes on top of €10.2 billion already secured by Uisce Éireann under the National Development Plan for environmental compliance, public health, growth and the provision of safe and secure water and wastewater services.

Sean Laffey, Asset Management and Sustainability Director with Uisce Éireann, said the additional funding would help create the capacity required to support new homes.

“Water and wastewater services are essential to every community. They support homes, schools, businesses and the services people rely on every day,” he said. “This additional €2 billion investment which will help create the water and wastewater capacity needed to support new homes and enable communities across Ireland to grow and thrive.”

Mr Laffey said the identification of the priority locations would also improve coordination between local authorities, Government departments, developers and other stakeholders.

“The initial focus on 72 cities, towns and villages, alongside dedicated investment in rural communities, will create the capacity needed to support new homes, enable economic growth and help communities across Ireland reach their full potential,” he said.

Uisce Éireann said the investment programme represents a major step towards ensuring that water and wastewater infrastructure keeps pace with housing demand, including in Mayo’s growing towns and rural communities.