Driving investment and delivering better outcomes for customers

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) plays a vital role in ensuring that water and wastewater services in Ireland are safe, reliable, and responsive to the needs of homes and businesses. Every day, 1.8 million customers rely on these essential services.

As the economic regulator for public water and wastewater services, the CRU sets performance targets and monitors the performance of Uisce Éireann in delivering services and investment in infrastructure in a cost-efficient manner to serve customers now and into the future.

The CRU is currently reviewing Uisce Éireann’s budget for the upcoming revenue control (RC4), covering 2025 to 2029. This process determines the revenue Uisce Éireann requires to operate and invest in critical infrastructure. In line with its Strategic Funding Plan 2025-2029, the RC4 submission outlines a projected investment of up to €16.9 billion. The CRU will consult on the proposed regulatory framework that will support this investment later this year.

The approved funding will support the delivery of Uisce Éireann’s capital programme and operating costs, enabling critical improvements in outcomes for customers and communities across Ireland.

The RC4 investment strategy and allowed revenues will be adjusted to align with the National Development Plan 2021-2030, which was highlighted by the Government in its 2025 Mid-Term Review. The NDP prioritises water infrastructure as a key enabler of housing, economic growth, and climate resilience. Uisce Éireann’s planned investments under RC4 will directly support these national priorities, including:

• accelerating the delivery of housing by improving water and wastewater capacity;
• enhancing climate resilience through upgrades to aging infrastructure; and
• supporting regional development and economic competitiveness.

Accountability and performance

The CRU’s final determination, planned for early 2026, will set a revenue profile for Uisce Éireann during RC4. To note, these allowances are robustly reviewed and come with clear expectations and defined deliverables, which can be monitored and reported on throughout the RC4 period. Any changes between forecast and actual expenditure is assessed by the CRU to ensure planned outputs and outcomes are delivered for the investments funded by the exchequer and small and large businesses.

Performance will be tracked through the CRU’s Performance Assessment Framework and Capital Investment Plan Monitoring Reports, which are published annually.

These reports are a vital accountability incentive, offering independent oversight of the utility’s operations. By highlighting both achievements and areas that require improvement, the CRU challenges Uisce Éireann to remain answerable to its customers and stakeholders. The reporting process helps build public trust by showing where progress is being made and where further action is required. The cost of providing water and wastewater services is covered through a combination of exchequer funds for residential premises and tariffs for businesses. One of the key roles of CRU is to ensure the appropriate costs of providing water and wastewater to businesses in the Water Charges Plan.

Protecting customers and promoting fairness

Uisce Éireann provides water and wastewater services to over 80 per cent of the premises in the State. The balance of premises provide their own water and wastewater services through either group water schemes or private wells and septic tanks.

The CRU enforces minimum service standards and protects the interests of premises served by Uisce Éireann, including more than 32,000 vulnerable customers. It also oversees a range of customer-focused policies, including:

• the domestic and non-domestic customer handbooks;
• the First Fix Free scheme; and
• the First Mover Disadvantage policy.

These policies ensure that customers are treated fairly and that developers and businesses can connect to water services efficiently.

Record investment and public oversight

Uisce Éireann is making transformative annual investment – over €1 billion annually – in water and wastewater infrastructure. It aims to modernise the system, reduce service interruptions, cater for housing growth, and improve customer engagement. The CRU continues to monitor how this funding is allocated to ensure it delivers tangible benefits for customers and communities.

A public consultation on the CRU’s draft determination will open in Q4 2025, giving all stakeholders – including customers, businesses, and advocacy groups – an opportunity to shape the final decision. The CRU will publish its final determination in early 2026.

The CRU encourages all stakeholders to participate in the consultation. Feedback will play a vital role in shaping a regulatory framework that reflects the lived experiences and expectations of Irish water customers.

W: www.cru.ie