Borris-in-Ossory wastewater upgrade confirmed; zoning delays persist

A Dáil debate on water services on 25 June 2026 exposed tensions between planning-led housing policy and infrastructure delivery capacity.

Deputy Brian Stanley raised concerns that local authorities in the wider Dublin catchment area and parts of Laois have been asked to zone substantial new land for housing without clear funding commitments for water and wastewater infrastructure.

He cited Laois specifically, where substantial extra lands were zoned for an increase of over 8,000 houses—approximately 25% population growth in four or five years. Deputy Stanley flagged four villages earmarked by Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) for its small villages and towns scheme: Ballyroan (completed), and Borris-in-Ossory, Ballinakill and Ballybrittas (not yet completed). He noted planned housing numbers: 160 extra houses in Borris-in-Ossory, 56 in Ballinakill, and 437 in Graiguecullen.

Deputy Stanley stressed that these villages cannot accommodate new residents "without the infrastructure" and questioned where responsibility lies to ensure upgrades proceed.

**Minister's response**

Minister James Browne acknowledged the importance of zoning and confirmed that Uisce Éireann commenced works in March 2026 to upgrade the Borris-in-Ossory wastewater treatment plant at a cost of €4.1 million, with completion expected autumn 2027. This investment is intended to support future growth and development in the area.

The Minister stated that Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for water services planning and delivery at national, regional and local levels, and that project scope, prioritisation and progression are matters for Uisce Éireann approved through its own governance structures—not the Department.

He noted that developer-led infrastructure has been introduced to allow developers to provide wastewater facilities in villages, and encouraged local authorities to complete zoning processes more rapidly given the housing crisis.

**Unresolved issue: Developer infrastructure take-in-charge**

Deputy Stanley raised a separate concern that Uisce Éireann has been reluctant to accept ("take in charge") water infrastructure provided by developers, citing a held-up project in Laois as an example. He suggested this issue—described as a point that "has not been cracked yet"—requires resolution between Uisce Éireann, local authorities and the Department.

He also noted that Graiguecullen, Borris-in-Ossory and Ballinakill have been classified as "red" by Uisce Éireann in terms of wastewater status, meaning "no development can take place" without infrastructure upgrades.

No resolution to the developer take-in-charge issue was announced during the debate.