Some Kildare Residents Forced To Deal With Water Infrastructure Issues Themselves

The responsibility for Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure was transferred to Uisce Éireann in 2024

Kildare County Council have been asked to engage with Uisce Éireann and the Housing Department in relation to funding options for ongoing maintenance at 13 Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure.

Commonly known as DPI, are a category of housing estate served by standalone water services infrastructure, provided by the developer of the estate.

It consists mostly of wastewater treatment facilities but a small number consist of drinking water services for the estate.

They are privately owned facilities and not connected to the public (Uisce Éireann) water services network.

The responsibility for this infrastructure was transferred to Uisce Éireann with effect from 1 January 2024, following a direction by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

However, Fine Gael Councillor for Kildare/Newbridge MD Kevin Duffy believes the hand-over has been "taking too long".

Speaking on Kildare Today, Cllr Duffy said the maintenance for them have "fallen between the cracks" when it comes to responsibility for them, with  locals forced to manage them as a result:

"Residents in these areas end up having to manage and maintain waste water treatment plants themselves, and it can be a very confusing and stressful time to have to do that.

"There has to be a resolution found, it's not the responsibility of local residents to look after wastewater treatment plants," he added.

The Council said it recognised the "financial burden" associated with the ongoing maintenance and repair of DPI assets, adding that it is continuing to liaise with the Housing Department and Uisce Éireann.

According to Cllr Duffy, he said the Council were open to "taking on some responsibility" if they make an agreement with UÉ, but that is still ongoing:

"Even the simple things, if someone's treatment system is not working properly need a truck to empty them, KCC should take on that ownership and residents shouldn't have to organise that.

KCC concluded by saying that Elected Members could also raise the issue directly with Uisce Éireann at the workshop on the 23 November.

Members have been asked to submit questions ahead of the workshop later this month.

Uisce Éireann will also host a public webinar on 16 November 2026 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, providing an opportunity to learn more about their proposed approach with regard to shaping the future of wastewater services in Ireland.

People are invited to use the following link to sign up : Register, and more information can be found here.

The full interview can be heard below: