Fianna Fáil Housing spokesperson Séamus McGrath TD has welcomed the introduction of new measures designed to support the delivery of small housing developments by enabling builders to work with Uisce Éireann on wastewater infrastructure for schemes of up to 40 homes.

The measures will allow developers of smaller rural projects to progress new wastewater treatment facilities through a registration-based approval system, expected to be operational in early 2026.

Deputy McGrath said the change would accelerate construction timelines in rural areas, where infrastructure capacity has often delayed housing delivery.

Deputy McGrath said that "this move will help unshackle home delivery from unnecessary delays in rural areas".

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He said the initiative, led by Minister Browne, is part of broader government efforts to increase housing supply and remove bottlenecks in critical infrastructure delivery.

Mr McGrath stated: "It will allow low-volume wastewater systems that serve up to 40 homes to be authorised through a registration system that is planned to be in operation by early 2026.

"The new arrangements will provide greater planning certainty for developers, local authorities and communities by ensuring a consistent and transparent approach to how wastewater solutions for smaller housing schemes are assessed and approved.

"This follows on from significant action by Government in recent months. It has extended Rent Pressure Zones nationwide, finalised the National Planning Framework, cut VAT on building apartments and enacted the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 to address expiring planning permissions and encourage activation of housing projects.

"We will soon publish our new Housing Strategy and, combined with the significant efforts being made by Minister Jack Chambers to cut red tape on large infrastructure projects, we are going to build the homes and provide the infrastructure we need to grow and thrive as a country."