Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Irish Water takes a strategic, nationwide approach to asset planning and investment, and meeting customer requirements. The prioritisation and progression of individual projects and programmes is a matter for determination by Irish Water.
The Programme for Government commits to funding Irish Water's capital investment plan for water infrastructure on a multi-annual basis. The National Development Plan 2021-2030 commits to almost €6bn capital investment by Irish Water in the period 2021-2025 of which over €4.5 billion of which will be Voted Exchequer funding in respect of domestic water services.
In Budget 2022, I secured over €1.57 billion to support water services. This includes €1.459 billion for domestic water services provision by Irish Water. The investment will deliver significant improvements in our public water and waste water services, and support a range of programmes delivering improved water quality in our rivers, lakes and marine area. It is key to addressing Ireland's shortcomings in water and waste water infrastructure, including compliance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.