Water Infrastructure

Securing a reliable, sustainable, and high-quality water supply and wastewater treatment system is a foundational challenge for the UK and Ireland. Both nations face pressures from increasing demand, aging infrastructure, significant leakage rates (estimated at around 49% in Ireland), and the imperative to meet stringent environmental and quality standards. Major undertakings, such as Ireland's proposed €4.58-€5.96 billion Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region, and the UK's first new reservoirs in decades (like Havant Thicket), highlight the scale, long-term nature, and complexity of projects in this vital sector. Furthermore, Northern Ireland faces a potential £2.03 billion shortfall in wastewater infrastructure funding, leading to construction halts in many towns.

Kiltoom Advisory is uniquely positioned to assist clients in navigating the multifaceted challenges inherent in water infrastructure. Our Construction Claims Management expertise is indispensable for addressing variations, unforeseen ground conditions, or delays that can impact large-scale pipeline installations, treatment plant upgrades, or reservoir constructions. We provide expert support for payment processes, essential for maintaining project momentum and ensuring continuity of works on critical public utility projects, particularly under the Construction Contracts Act 2013 (Ireland) and The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (UK).

In a sector prone to complex technical and regulatory disagreements, our Construction Dispute Resolution capabilities offer strategic guidance and robust support. Whether through negotiation, conciliation (especially relevant for PWC/RIAI contracts often used in Ireland), or statutory adjudication, we work to achieve efficient and commercially sound resolutions, preventing prolonged stagnation on projects that are vital for public health and economic development.

Proactive Risk Mitigation & Project Assurance is crucial for water infrastructure projects, given their long lifecycles and susceptibility to environmental factors. Our comprehensive contract reviews help identify and control risks associated with funding uncertainties, stringent environmental regulations, and the need for integrated resource management. Independent health checks provide an objective assessment, safeguarding client interests and ensuring effective project governance.

For investors, lenders, and developers considering involvement in new water treatment facilities or supply networks, our Construction & Infrastructure Due Diligence offers invaluable insight. We provide thorough commercial, contractual, and project status assessments, crucial for informed decision-making in a sector defined by significant capital investment and regulatory oversight.

When essential projects encounter significant difficulties or go off track, our Expert Guidance and Project Recovery/Turnaround services become critical. We provide the strategic interventions necessary to mitigate further losses and steer projects back towards successful completion. Moreover, our deep Training and Contract Management Expertise ensures that project teams are proficient in managing Public Works Contracts (PWC) – common in Ireland – and the increasingly adopted NEC contracts across both regions. This contractual acumen is vital for delivering resilient, high-quality water infrastructure that meets the needs of communities across the UK and Ireland.