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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 Near an Uisce Éireann Asset

If you plan to build a structure near an Uisce Éireann asset, and the proposed structure will be within the separation distances stipulated below, you are required to contact Uisce Éireann, so that your proposal can be considered. You will have to complete the dedicated Application form and email this to us via this email address. On receipt of your application we will review the proposal and revert with an indication of the acceptability of the proposal together with next steps as appropriate.

Minimum Separation Distance from proposed building to Uisce Éireann Sewer

Sewer Diameter (mm)   
Dept to Invert 150mm - 449mm 450mm - 749mm >750mm
<3m 3m 3.5m Contact Uisce Éireann
3m - 4m 3m 4m Contact Uisce Éireann
4m - 5m 5m 5m Contact Uisce Éireann
5m - 6m 5m 6m Contact Uisce Éireann
> 6m Contact Uisce Éireann    

Minimum Separation Distance from proposed building to public water main

Water Main Diameter (mm)    
Dept to Invert (m) 50mm - 100mm 100mm - 200mm 200mm - 600mm > 600mm
< 3m 3m 3m 5m Contact Uisce Éireann
> 3m Contact Uisce Éireann      

Download the Building-over or Near an Uisce Éireann Asset Application form

Building over an Uisce Éireann Sewer

Uisce Éireann will only permit building-over of public sewers in very limited circumstances. Building-over an Uisce Éireann Sewer will only be considered if the proposed development is an extension to an existing house and if the Sewer has either
  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.
You will have to complete the "Building-over or Near an Uisce ÉireannAsset Application form” and then send this to via email to this email address. On receipt of your application we will review the proposal and if it is determined that a build-over is acceptable, you will be required to enter into a Build Over Agreement with Uisce Éireann prior to any works commencing on site. The Build Over Agreement will outline the specific requirements for the build-over, including roles and responsibilities, appropriate construction methods, insurance requirements, warranties etc.

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.

Diversion and Build Over Process

Applicant establishes location of Uisce Éireann assets

Applicant to determine location of all Uisce Éireann assets on development site by:

  • Submitting request to datarequests@water.ie for high level map of known Uisce Éireann assets.

  • Carrying out site investigation.

  • Other indicators or methodologies for identifying infrastructure located within the site are the presence of registered wayleave agreements, visible manholes, vent stacks, valve chambers, marker posts etc.

Applying for a Diversion

Assessment of Diversion Application

  • Uisce Éireann register diversion application and assign a unique ‘DIV’ reference number.

  • Uisce Éireann will assess the application to determine compliance with Uisce Éireann Codes of Practice and Standard Details.

Uisce Éireann issue diversions ‘Confirmation of Feasibility’

Once Uisce Éireann completes the review and it is deemed to be acceptable the applicant is issued with a Confirmation of Feasibility letter.

Diversion Offer issued to Customer

Uisce Éireann issues a Diversion Offer detailing terms and conditions, charges and any additional required agreements such as Deed of Easement and Collateral Warranties.

Accepting Diversion Offer

The applicant can enter into a Diversion Agreement with Uisce Éireann by accepting the terms and conditions as set out in the Diversion Offer, submitting proof of insurances, method statements etc., and by making the required payments.

Construction Phase

Following the acceptance of the Diversion Offer and provision of other requirements by the applicant, Uisce Éireann will execute the Diversion Agreement and issue a notice for construction to proceed.

Project Close out

Upon completion of the works, customer provides ‘As Built’ drawings, safety file, testing details and any other requirements as outlined in the Diversion Agreement.