Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
839. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can advise on eligibility for reimbursement of water connection fees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37497/23]
View answerOn 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and assist the achievement of the housing delivery targets set in Housing for All, while also addressing cost and viability issues faced by the construction sector. These measures included the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions, and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and wastewater connection charges.
The Uisce Éireann standard water and wastewater connection charges referenced in the new Government support package will still have to be paid upfront by developers in the normal manner, with the monies being subsequently refunded by Uisce Éireann on notification of the commencement of works. This is a rebate, rather than a waiver arrangement as Uisce Éireann connection applications, in general, are paid in advance of site commencement.
The new schemes apply for 1 year to all permitted residential development:
• that commences on site between 25 April 2023 (the date of the Government Decision approving the measure) and 24 April 2024, and
• is completed not later than 31 December 2025.
This end date is to facilitate large schemes to be speedily brought forward and progressed, while also incentivising their completion as quickly as possible within a reasonable timeframe and delivering urgent housing supply.
On the 21st July this year, my Department published a Circular and Guidance notes which sets out in detail the process for applying for the Uisce Éireann water and wastewater connection charge refund scheme.
The Circular and Guidance documents are available here: www.gov.ie/en/circular/9b113-circular-pl-082023-temporary-time-limited-waiver-in-respect-of-development-contributions-operational-guidance-for-local-authorities/. Alternatively, details on the scheme can be found on Uisce Éireann’s website at www.water.ie/connections/.
