Diversion and Build-Over Enquiry

Uisce Éireann is responsible for all public water and wastewater infrastructure since 1 January 2014.

The water infrastructure provides raw water for treatment and, following treatment, potable drinking water for supply. The wastewater infrastructure collects untreated and, on occasion, treated wastewater from customers' premises prior to its associated treatment and discharge. In most instances this water and wastewater infrastructure is located under the public road. However, due to access requirements at specific locations, some of this infrastructure is located in private lands. These public water supply and wastewater collection assets service multiple customers in many instances.

It is the applicants responsibility to identify the presence of any Uisce Éireann assets within or adjacent to any proposed development. In order to assist the applicant in determining the location of Uisce Éireann assets, the best practice is to contact Uisce Éireann in advance of designing the proposal. Details, where known, can be obtained by emailing an Ordnance Survey map identifying the proposed location of your intended development to datarequests@water.ie. 

The exact location of any Uisce Éireann assets are to be confirmed via site investigation by the applicant. Other indicators or methodologies for identifying infrastructure located within your lands are the presence of registered wayleave agreements, visible manholes, vent stacks, valve chambers, marker posts etc. within the proposed site.

If it is determined that an Uisce Éireann asset is located near or under your proposed development, you are required to contact Uisce Éireann with details of your proposal in order to establish if the proposals are acceptable or if there is a need to alter or divert any Uisce Éireann asset. Contact Uisce Éireann by submitting the relevant application form. 

Uisce Éireann does not charge for this early engagement, however, the subsequent cost of diverting/altering/building over any asset, as well as any costs associated with supervising the works, will be included as a charge in the Diversion/Build Over Agreement. A refundable bond/surety may also be included in respect of the diversion/alteration works.

Building over an Uisce Éireann Sewer

1. a maximum diameter of 150mm or;
2. has a diameter of 225mm while serving less than thirteen (13) houses upstream of the proposed build-over works.

Building over a Public Water Main

In order to protect the water supply to other homes and business in your area, Uisce Éireann do not permit any type of development to be built over any public water main.

Diversion or Alteration of Uisce Éireann Assets

If it is determined that a diversion of an Uisce Éireann asset is required to facilitate your development, you are required to enter into a Diversion Agreement with Uisce Éireann prior to any works commencing on site. In accordance with Uisce Éireann Connections Charging Policy and as approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, the applicant will be liable for all costs associated with diverting or altering Uisce Éireann's water/wastewater assets.