[CLOSED] Public Consultation on the Timetable and Work Programme for Ireland’s 2028-2033 Water Action Plan

Public Consultation on the Timetable and Work Programme for Ireland’s Fourth-Cycle Water Action Plan (2028–2033)

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is inviting submissions, observations, and comments on the timetable and work programme for the development of Ireland’s fourth-cycle Water Action Plan, covering the period 2028–2033.

Why This Consultation Matters

This public consultation is the first of three consultation stages in the development of the next Water Action Plan. It offers individuals, communities, and organisations the chance to contribute to how the plan will be prepared over the next three years. The final Water Action Plan will be published by December 2027.

What Is Being Consulted On?

This consultation is not about the full content of the upcoming Water Action Plan. Instead, it focuses specifically on the timetable and work programme — the roadmap that outlines the main steps, key milestones, and engagement strategy to be used in the development of the fourth-cycle plan.

Public input will help shape how the consultation process unfolds and how the effectiveness of the current plan’s measures is assessed. Your feedback will guide the Department in improving participation and aligning strategies with national and EU water quality objectives.

Consultation Period

The consultation runs for six months and will remain open until 5:00pm on 25 July 2025.

How to Participate

The public is invited to respond by:

• Reviewing the consultation documents, which include:

  • The Work Programme for the Fourth-Cycle Water Action Plan

  • A targeted questionnaire to gather opinions on the current plan and stakeholder engagement

  • A Privacy Statement

  • Terms and conditions of submission

• Submitting:

  • The completed questionnaire

  • Written submissions, observations, or comments

Submissions can be sent via:

• Email: rbmp@housing.gov.ie

• Post: Water Advisory Unit
  Water Action Plan Work Programme Consultation
  Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage
  Custom House, Dublin 1, D01 W6X0

Important Notes

• All submissions received may be published on the Department’s website, unless clearly marked as confidential.

• Submissions are subject to:

  • The Freedom of Information Act 2014

  • The European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007–2014

  • Data protection legislation

Do not include personal, confidential, or commercially sensitive information, other than your name and contact details.

What Happens Next?

All feedback received will be reviewed and used to refine and finalise the work programme. This ensures that the timetable and engagement process for developing the full fourth-cycle Water Action Plan is inclusive, informed, and aligned with both public and stakeholder expectations.