Uisce Éireann has set out 72 locations across Ireland as top priorities for investment to release capacity for housing and support expanding communities, following Government approval of an additional €2 billion under the National Development Plan.

The shortlist was compiled after a detailed review of national, regional and local development plans, focusing on areas with significant planned growth where targeted works can unlock housing, enable sustainable development and deliver the greatest community benefit. The full list of locations is available on Uisce Éireann's website.

By sharing this roadmap with local authorities, housing and planning bodies, and industry stakeholders, the utility aims to give greater certainty about where strategic water and wastewater projects will underpin housing delivery and community growth.

The €2 billion allocation is in addition to the €10.2 billion already secured by Uisce Éireann through the National Development Plan to ensure environmental compliance, protect public health and provide safe, reliable services nationwide. The new funding is specifically directed at creating capacity for housing-led growth and development.

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The 72 priority locations include:

- The five cities named in the National Planning Framework: Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford;

- Five Regional Growth Centres designated within Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies: Athlone, Drogheda, Dundalk, Letterkenny and Sligo;

- Thirty-two Key Towns identified in regional and local development plans, including Kilkenny, Ennis, Clonmel, Killarney, Mallow, Nenagh, Wexford, Portlaoise, Tullamore, Longford and Navan;

- Seven strategically important growth areas identified with planning authorities, including Limerick-Shannon, Cobh, Midleton, Passage West, Ballincollig, Carrigtwohill and Carrigaline;

- Twenty-four additional settlements with significant projected housing growth, such as Arklow, Tramore, Leixlip, Kildare, Athenry, Greystones and Enniscorthy.

Of the package, €1.7 billion will be invested in the priority growth locations, with a further €300 million earmarked to support housing and development in rural communities. This will help towns and villages realise their potential by delivering the water and wastewater capacity needed for new homes, local economies and growing populations across rural Ireland.

Sean Laffey, Asset Management and Sustainability Director, Uisce Éireann, said: "Water and wastewater services are essential to every community. They support homes, schools, businesses and the services people rely on every day. We would to thank the Government for 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. By identifying these priority locations we are providing greater clarity for local authorities, government departments, developers and other stakeholders, helping improve coordination across the housing sector and supporting the delivery of new homes and stronger communities. 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."