Westmeath communities invited to have their say on future wastewater services

People living in towns and villages across Westmeath are being encouraged to have their say on the future of wastewater services as Uisce Éireann launches a national consultation on smaller treatment plants.

The new Small Wastewater Treatment Plants National Plan aims to ensure communities have the infrastructure needed to support homes, businesses and sustainable growth while protecting local rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

The plan will focus on wastewater treatment plants serving communities of fewer than 1,000 population equivalent, roughly the organic wastewater load generated by 350 homes.

The consultation could be particularly relevant to smaller communities across Westmeath, where the capacity and condition of wastewater infrastructure can influence future housing and economic development, as well as local water quality.

Uisce Éireann operates more than 1,000 wastewater treatment plants nationwide, including approximately 800 small plants. While these smaller facilities account for only around four per cent of the total wastewater treated, the utility says they can have significant local impacts on water quality.

The proposed national plan is intended to replace a reactive, site-by-site approach with a more coordinated system for identifying where upgrades are needed and directing investment.

Plant performance, available capacity, local water quality, environmental requirements and future development needs will all be considered when determining priorities.

Uisce Éireann Head of Asset Management Stephen Seymour said small towns and villages are central to Ireland’s social and economic life and need wastewater services that support communities while protecting the environment.

He said the utility wants to hear from people who know their local areas best, with submissions helping to identify local issues, environmental priorities and community needs.

The consultation is also being developed alongside Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment processes, with a focus on protecting water quality, habitats and biodiversity.

Uisce Éireann says feedback received during the consultation will help shape a draft national framework, which will itself be subject to further public consultation before the final plan is adopted.

Members of the public, community groups, environmental organisations, local authorities, businesses and elected representatives are invited to make submissions.

The consultation documents are available at water.ie, submissions must be made by Tuesday, October 20, 2026.