Irish Water has launched a new accreditation scheme that will be available for experienced contractors in Westmeath.
The scheme will accredit experienced contractors to deliver new water services infrastructure in public roads for housing developers.
This is the latest initiative as part of Irish Water’s commitment to support the delivery of housing across Ireland. The scheme supports the efficient delivery of essential water services infrastructure in the public road by Experienced Contractors while ensuring best practice procedures and standards.
It follows the successful rollout of Irish Water’s self lay in the public road programme, whereby developers can deliver water and wastewater infrastructure in the public roads to service new housing developments. The new scheme, which has been launched 18 months ahead of schedule, recognises contractors’ adherence to Irish Water’s Standard Details, Codes of Practice and Quality Assurance procedures. These best practice procedures and standards have been developed by Irish Water to prevent a reoccurrence of legacy issues that exist across the country.
The scheme, which is also supported by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF ), the Irish Homebuilders Association and Commission for Regulation of Utilities, is the latest in a number of initiatives Irish Water has implemented to support Government’s Housing For All strategy.
Other initiatives include the publication of water and wastewater capacity registers which give an indication of the capacity of water and wastewater treatment plants all around the country, making it easier for developers and local authorities to prioritise areas with services.
As part of its commitment to open communication, Irish Water has also hosted several webinars for industry players to explain the application process and to highlight issues that may cause delays in the process.
The utility continues to support the housing industry through its dedicated connections and developer services team which offers a range of resources and support material, including extending a helping hand through the entire process from housing development pre-planning stage right through to construction.
These initiatives have resulted in strong progress being made in the delivery of housing, with over 32,000 housing connections offered by Irish Water in 2021.
“We are committed to supporting Government’s drive in developing more homes across the country and ensuring these homes can be completed efficiently. We’ve launched our new Experienced Based Accreditation Scheme following calls from industry where, following a series of webinars with industry members, many highlighted the need for self-lay of water services infrastructure in public roads for new housing developments. Irish Water listened and is now ensuring that Experienced Contractors across every county in Ireland can become accredited to deliver new water services infrastructure in public roads for new housing developments.
“We have ensured our Experience Based Accreditation Scheme is easy and hassle-free to register for, and we’ve already seen strong interest from applicants. It ensures safe and reliable water services will continue to be provided to new home buyers and existing residents, now and into the future,” Yvonne Harris, Irish Water’s Housing Programme Director, said.
