Irish Water has adopted the Framework Plan for the National Water Resources Plan (NWRP).

The NWRP will safeguard public health, support growth and meet the challenges of climate change over the next 25 years.

The NWRP is Ireland's first 25-year strategic plan enabling the company to move towards safe, secure, reliable, and sustainable public water supplies for all of our customers and communities, whilst safeguarding public health and the environment.

Following on from a statutory public consultation on Phase 1 of the NWRP, the draft Framework Plan and associated environmental reports, the submissions and observations received from public consultation were taken into consideration, and the Framework Plan updated.

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The Framework Plan accompanied by a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Statement and an Appropriate Assessment Determination has now been adopted. A consultation report summarising feedback received during the public consultation has also been published.

Angela Ryan, Water Resource Strategy Specialist with Irish Water, said: "Safeguarding Ireland's precious water resources is a top priority for Irish Water. With increasing pressure to meet the current demand for water as a result of population growth, climate change, and our changing environmental regulations, it is essential that we plan ahead. The first National Water Resources Plan will enable us to do that in a sustainable way whilst also supporting economic development and population growth.

"How we choose to plan our water resources today will determine the water supply we can provide now and into the future. The Three Pillar approach of 'Use Less', 'Lose Less' and 'Supply Smarter' allows Irish Water to consider the broadest possible range of solutions through the development of the NWRP. We would like to thank everyone who made a submission to this consultation process."

They were 84 submissions received in total, including responses from the Office of the Planning Regulator, the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly, the Southern Regional Assembly and local authorities in relation to national policy for growth and development.