O’Shea Calls on Uisce Éireann and Commission for Regulation of Utilities to Prevent Costly Water and Waste Water Connection Fees for Community & Voluntary Groups

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has called on Uisce Éireann and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to amend the current Connection Charging Policy to provide discounts or waivers for non-profit community organisations who are developing new community facilities.

Deputy O’Shea raised the issue with Uisce Éireann & the CRU following concerns from community groups in his own area who are facing significant costs when seeking water and wastewater connections when developing new local community facilities.

In correspondence received by Deputy O’Shea, Uisce Éireann confirmed that while the matter has been brought to the attention of senior management within its Connection & Developer Services team, the current policy framework does not permit the utility to alter, reduce, or waive connection charges for any customer, regardless of their status as a non-profit or community organisation. The correspondence also states that any new policy may be subject to a public consultation process and in that event, Uisce Éireann strongly encourages all interested parties to take this opportunity and make their own submissions regarding changes to the existing policy”.

Commenting on this issue, Deputy O’Shea said, “Community organisations and non-profit groups already face enormous financial pressures when trying to deliver community facilities and services that benefit local people. It is deeply frustrating that groups working entirely for the public good are being treated exactly the same as commercial developments when it comes to connection charges.”

Deputy O’Shea said the existing policy does not adequately recognise the social value provided by voluntary and community led projects.

“These organisations are not profit driven enterprises. They are community centres, sports facilities, voluntary groups, and local facilities that are run by volunteers and supported through fundraising and grants. Imposing full connection charges on these projects can place an unfair and unnecessary burden on communities.”

While welcoming confirmation that the issue may form part of an upcoming review and potential public consultation process, Deputy O’Shea said meaningful reform is needed.

“I appreciate that Uisce Éireann has acknowledged the concerns raised and that this issue may be examined further through the review process. However, there is a clear need for greater flexibility within the policy to recognise the unique role played by non-profit and community organisations.”

The Cork North West TD said a targeted waiver or discount scheme for eligible community projects would represent a practical and fair solution.

“A modest adjustment to the charging framework could make a very significant difference to local groups trying to deliver important facilities in their communities. Supporting these organisations is an investment in social cohesion, local development, and community wellbeing.”

Deputy O’Shea encouraged any affected organisations and community groups or who maybe affected in the future to participate in any future consultation process on the Connection Charging Policy.

“It is important that the voices of community organisations are heard clearly during any review of the policy. Those on the ground dealing directly with these costs are best placed to explain the impact the current system is having. Community groups across Cork North West contribute enormously to local life and provide facilities and services that benefit everyone. The least we can do is ensure that Government agencies and public utilities adopt policies that support, not hinder, their efforts.”