Uisce Éireann seeks public feedback on its draft Water Services Strategic Plan 2050
The draft 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 our objectives, and the means by which we aim 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.
Public Consultation runs from 21 May 2024 to 16 July 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024 – Uisce Éireann today begins an eight-week public consultation on the draft Water Services Strategic Plan 2050 (WSSP 2050). The draft 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. Once approved by the Minister, it will replace the existing WSSP from 2015, which covered the period from 2015 to 2040.
The draft WSSP 2050 has been subjected to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in accordance with the European Union (EU) SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) and Appropriate Assessment (under the EU Habitats Directive) and these documents are also published for review on Uisce Éireann’s website (www.water.ie) as part of this consultation.
Providing safe, secure and sustainable water services is vital for society, to protect public health, support the delivery of housing and jobs, and to protect the environment and precious water resources. Uisce Éireann has a vital job to do and many challenges and opportunities as we look ahead to 2050. This 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.
This public consultation presents an opportunity for 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 draft WSSP 2050 the results of this public consultation will provide an insight into attitudes towards public water and wastewater services and the challenges we face now and into the future.
Sean Laffey, Head of Asset Management with Uisce Éireann, commented, “We operate 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 draft 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.
“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 are inviting all our stakeholders and members of the public to have their say in say in relation to how these essential services are managed and delivered, for the benefit of customers and communities throughout Ireland.”
Uisce Éireann is now seeking feedback on the draft WSSP 2050 and associated environmental reports; the SEA Environmental Report and the Natura Impact Statement. All documents are available to view and download from www.water.ie/wssp
An eight-week public consultation will run from 21 May 2024 to 16 July 2024.
Stakeholders can avail of two options to assist them to make a submission on the draft WSSP 2050 and are welcome to choose one or both options when making a submission.
Option 1: Complete an online survey.
Option 2: Provide feedback on suggested consultation questions.
Submissions can be made up to the closing date of the consultation period, by email or post to:
Email: wssp@water.ie
Post: Water Services Strategic Plan, Uisce Éireann, PO Box 13216, Glenageary, Co. Dublin.
Online webinars will be facilitated in June 2024. These webinars will provide information on the draft WSSP 2050 and allow opportunities to pose questions to inform submissions. Register for the webinars via the project website www.water.ie/wssp
Following the conclusion of this consultation, Uisce Éireann will review and consider feedback received from all stakeholders. The submissions and observations received from public consultation will be taken into consideration, and the draft WSSP 2050 updated.
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