Uisce Matters

Uisce Éireann
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

The podcast that brings you inside the world of Ireland’s water services. Hosted by Orlaith Blaney, Uisce Éireann Communications and Corporate Affair Director, each episode shares real stories from the people working to deliver safe, reliable water and wastewater services across the country.  You’ll hear honest conversations about the everyday work, the big challenges, and the moments that matter. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at a service we all depend on but rarely think about.  Whether you're curious about where your water comes from or what happens after it goes down the drain, Uisce Matters makes it easy to understand and hard to take for granted. 

Episodes

  1. MAR 19

    Ep 4 - Breaking barriers to vital infrastructure delivery

    Ireland’s water and wastewater systems are largely invisible — buried beneath our roads, footpaths and communities — yet they are among the most vital assets we share. In this episode of Uisce Matters, Angela Ryan, Asset Strategy Senior Manager at Uisce Éireann/Irish Water and one of the original secondees to the Government’s Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, explores why understanding and investing in that hidden network has never been more important. Angela joins host Orlaith to explore the practical realities of delivering water and wastewater infrastructure in Ireland. She reflects on the pressures facing the system today — from ageing assets and evolving environmental standards to population growth and the legacy of long‑term underinvestment — and how these factors combine to create what she describes as a “perfect storm” of need. The conversation goes beyond engineering and funding to examine the barriers that slow progress. Angela discusses why infrastructure delivery can be disruptive, why public acceptance of short-term inconvenience is often essential for the common good, and how delays and lengthy lead-in times can prevent investment from going further. She also explains how prioritisation works in practice, what it means for communities waiting for upgrades, and why breaking cultural, planning, and perception barriers is just as important as securing capital investment. At its core, this episode is about visibility, trust and shared responsibility. As Angela highlights, these are shared assets, owned by the people of Ireland, and breaking down the barriers to delivering them is key to securing a safe, resilient and sustainable water future.

    41 min

  2. JAN 14

    Ep 3 - Nothing happens without water

    Join host Orlaith Blaney as she talks with Stephen Burke, Regional Water Operations Senior Manager at Uisce Éireann/Irish Water about the intricate world of water services in Ireland. From his roots on a Limerick farm to overseeing water supplies for more than 1.7 million people across Dublin, Meath, Louth, Kildare, and Wicklow, Stephen shares a unique perspective on what it takes to keep the taps flowing.  Explore the challenges of maintaining Dublin’s Victorian-era water network, the vital role of treatment plants like Ballymore Eustace, and the growing demand for water in the Greater Dublin Area. Learn what’s being done today to secure supply for tomorrow.  Whether you’re curious about engineering, sustainability, or the unseen effort behind every glass of water, this episode offers practical insights, personal stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the people safeguarding Ireland’s water future.

    37 min

  3. 12/09/2025

    Ep 2 - Flush the Right Stuff – Just the Three P’s

    In this episode of Uisce Matters, host Orlaith Blaney sits down with Jean Hobbs, Senior Programme Manager at Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant, to explore the personal and professional journey behind one of Ireland’s most critical infrastructure roles. Coming from a long line of engineers, Jean shares her passion for water and the challenges of managing a system that treats 40% of the country’s wastewater. She reflects on her studies at Trinity College and her commitment to educating others on the importance of thinking before you flush — just the three P’s: pee, poo, and paper — a simple action that protects our environment and keeps systems running smoothly. Listeners will also discover Jean’s love of sea swimming and her perspective on enjoying Dublin Bay responsibly, with an emphasis on awareness and care. This conversation underscores the urgency of projects like the Greater Dublin Drainage Project. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about expertise, environmental responsibility, and making a difference.

    28 min

  4. 11/12/2025

    Ep 1 - “Our children won’t get houses unless we deliver these projects”

    Niall Gleeson, Uisce Éireann CEO joins Orlaith Blaney in this debut episode of Uisce Matters for an honest and engaging conversation about water in Ireland: where it comes from, how it’s kept safe, and why it matters to all of us.    Niall shares his journey from tinkering with radios as a child to managing water and energy systems around the world and ultimately returning home to lead Ireland’s national utility. You’ll hear stories of global experience, local impact, and the everyday challenges of delivering clean, safe water to millions.    From fixing leaks and building treatment plants to planning for climate change and population growth, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Ireland’s most vital services. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you turn on the tap, this is the podcast for you.

    41 min

  5. 11/04/2025

    Introducing Uisce Matters

    Uisce Matters

    1 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

The podcast that brings you inside the world of Ireland’s water services. Hosted by Orlaith Blaney, Uisce Éireann Communications and Corporate Affair Director, each episode shares real stories from the people working to deliver safe, reliable water and wastewater services across the country.  You’ll hear honest conversations about the everyday work, the big challenges, and the moments that matter. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at a service we all depend on but rarely think about.  Whether you're curious about where your water comes from or what happens after it goes down the drain, Uisce Matters makes it easy to understand and hard to take for granted. 

Information

  • Creator
    Uisce Éireann
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Uisce Matters
  • Show Website
    Uisce Matters

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