Developer Led Infrastructure
Developer-Led Infrastructure (DLI) refers to permanent Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure provided by a Developer, in accordance with Uisce Éireann’s Relevant Standards, to facilitate eligible residential development where Uisce Éireann’s existing wastewater network has not been extended to the area in question.
Uisce Éireann has developed a Guidance Document, Technical Standard for NBS and Minimum Requirements for Non-NBS to support Developers with the implementation of Developer Led Infrastructure (DLI) in small scale multi-unit housing Developments less than or equal to (≤)150 Population Equivalent (PE).
Domestic Wastewater discharges (≤ 150 PE) to surface water can now be authorised through a registration system based on compliance with the European Union (Water Policy) Small Waste Water Discharge (Registration) Regulations 2026.
This approach is intended to:
i. support the Government’s initiative to enable housing activity in areas where there is no existing Uisce Éireann wastewater network and it is deemed not technically feasible to connect to the Uisce Éireann wastewater network accordingly, based solely on the proximity of the development to the existing network; and
ii. maintain the necessary safeguards to ensure that environmental compliance is achieved for discharges from newly constructed eligible development.
Developer Guidance Document and Technical Specifications for Developer Led Infrastructure (DLI)
Nature-Based Solutions
Nature based solutions (NBS) for low volume discharges comprise of three core components, namely, a septic tank, reed bed and willow bed. Such systems are designed for compactness and maximise periods of zero discharge during drier months of the year.
Non-Nature-Based Solutions
In locations where it is not possible to establish an NBS (e.g. presence of rock outcrops), it may be possible to propose alternative treatment infrastructure in the form of proprietary wastewater treatment plants .