Will You Get a Confirmation of Feasibility? Here’s What to Expect (and What to Do If You Don’t)

Sep 09, 2025


If you’re planning a build or development in Ireland, securing your water and wastewater connection is a critical early step. You can’t move forward without a Confirmation of Feasibility (CoF) from Uisce Éireann (Irish Water)—but what are your chances of getting that green light? And what happens if you don’t?

As Ireland’s trusted one‑stop shop for Irish Water Pre‑Connection Enquiries (PCEs), we see these questions all the time. Here’s what you need to know.

How Likely Are You to Get a CoF?

While Uisce Éireann doesn’t publish an exact approval rate, several factors influence success:

Location & Capacity: Rural areas and rapidly developing towns can face network constraints. Urban centres with modern infrastructure tend to fare better.
Submission Quality: A complete, accurate application speeds up approvals. Missing maps or incorrect calculations are the number‑one cause of delays.
Project Size & Fit: Single dwellings or small schemes often have fewer issues than large developments. But even bigger projects can succeed if phased smartly or paired with network upgrades.
Planning Alignment: Local zoning and planning policy matter. If your proposal meets local needs and guidelines, you’re well positioned for a CoF.
Professional Preparation: Engaging experts early reduces back‑and‑forth. According to digital‑marketing research, most people start their property journey with a Google searchdigimark.ie, underscoring the value of finding reliable, specialised support onlinedigimark.ie.
What If Your Request Is Refused?

Don’t panic—there are still options:

Revise or Downsize: Adjusting unit numbers can reduce demand on the network.
Phase Your Development: Building in stages can align your project with planned infrastructure upgrades.
Contribute to Upgrades: In many cases, a financial contribution toward pipe or pump upgrades unlocks capacity.
Consider On‑Site Solutions: Private wells or wastewater treatment systems may be viable in rural areas (subject to local approval).
Reapply Later: Planned network improvements or reduced local demand could mean a positive result down the road.
How Connections Ireland Helps

End‑to‑End Service: We source folio and OS maps, prepare sketch layouts, complete all water demand and discharge calculations, and submit your PCE on your behalf.
Authority & Expertise: Our team has decades of experience in planning and engineering. That means fewer mistakes and faster responses.
Speed & Efficiency: We typically prepare and submit your application within 7–10 days—so you can get your answer sooner.
Confidentiality & Trust: We understand your project is private, and we handle each case discreetly and professionally.
Ready to Move Forward?

Whether you’re a self‑builder or a developer, we make the Irish Water pre‑connection process simple and stress‑free. Send us your site Eircode today, and let’s secure your Confirmation of Feasibility — fast, accurate and hassle‑free.