O’Shea Calls on Uisce Éireann to Waive Connection Charges for Community Organisations

€69,500 Rylane connection charge highlights need for change to Uisce Éireann policy

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has called on Uisce Éireann to ensure that its forthcoming review of its Connection Charging Policy includes a substantial discount or full waiver on connection charges for community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations.

Deputy O’Shea was responding to confirmation from Uisce Éireann that it is currently working towards making a submission to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in Q1 2027 as part of the update of its Connection Charging Policy.

The issue has particular relevance in Cork North West, with the Rylane Community Park Association facing a connection charge of €69,500 for water and wastewater connections to its new community centre, which is currently being developed in the village. The community-led project has involved significant local fundraising and voluntary effort to deliver a much-needed facility for the area.

Deputy O’Shea said the Rylane example demonstrates why community organisations should be treated differently from commercial developments when connection charges are being determined.

“The situation facing the Rylane Community Association is a very good example of why I believe Uisce Éireann needs to look again at how it applies connection charges to community and voluntary organisations.

“This is a community-led project that is being delivered for the benefit of the people of Rylane and the surrounding area. Local volunteers have worked incredibly hard to raise funds and bring this new community hall forward.

“To then be faced with a €69,500 charge for water and wastewater connections is a very significant additional financial burden for a voluntary organisation. We have to ask whether it is appropriate to treat a volunteer-led community project in the same way as a commercial development when it comes to connection charges.

“I am calling on Uisce Éireann to ensure that the review of its Connection Charging Policy provides for a specific discount or waiver for community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations.

“The Rylane project should be a warning that the current approach can place unnecessary financial obstacles in the way of communities trying to provide much-needed facilities.

“Community halls, sports facilities, voluntary organisations and other not-for-profit projects are essential pieces of local infrastructure. They are often delivered through years of fundraising, voluntary work and public grants, and every euro available to these organisations should be going towards delivering their facilities and services.

“I welcome the confirmation from Uisce Éireann that a public consultation will take place through the CRU when the revised policy is being considered. I will be encouraging community and voluntary organisations across Cork North-West to make submissions and highlight their experiences.

“I will also continue to engage with Uisce Éireann and the CRU on this matter. I want to see a clear commitment that the revised policy will recognise the unique circumstances of community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations and provide meaningful relief from connection charges.”

Uisce Éireann has advised Deputy O’Shea that it cannot provide details of its proposed submission to the CRU at this stage, but has confirmed that the public consultation process will be advertised by the CRU and highlighted by Uisce Éireann.

Deputy O’Shea said he would continue to pursue the issue ahead of the planned review and consultation process.