BITCI brings business voices to the forefront of EU Water Policy discussion
Tuesday 13th October 2026, Today Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) convened a high-level roundtable for European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, bringing together representatives from leading member companies to discuss the future of water management, water efficiency and resilience in Ireland.
Commissioner Roswall is responsible for the implementation of the EU Water Resilience Strategy which aims to strengthen water security across Europe and improve preparedness for water-related disasters. Within Ireland, the Environmental Protection Agency is critical at the lack of action to improve water quality as 48% of Ireland’s surface water bodies (rivers, lakes and transitional waters) achieve an ‘unsatisfactory’ ecological status under the EU Water Framework Directive.
The diverse group of Irish business leaders from sectors including food & drink, construction, utilities, technology and pharma, discussed the challenges and opportunities for businesses operating in Ireland when it comes to improving water efficiency.
The companies shared sector-specific and regional examples of initiatives being implemented to strengthen water resilience, against a backdrop of increasing pressures on Ireland’s water supply and infrastructure, including climate change, pollution, growing demand and evolving regulatory requirements. This is in addition to the reality as identified by Uisce Eireann that approximately 36% of treated water is lost daily through leakages across Ireland’s underground water network.
The BITCI members outlined their vision for a resilient water system and discussed how EU policies, funding mechanisms and collaboration opportunities could support businesses in advancing water stewardship and resilience.
Tomás Sercovich, CEO, Business in the Community Ireland said “We were pleased to facilitate this important dialogue with Commissioner Roswall and our member companies. The insights shared demonstrate that water resilience is rapidly becoming a strategic priority for businesses across Ireland. Through signatories to our Accelerate, the Business Pact for Climate and Nature, we see first-hand how closely connected climate action, nature restoration and water security are. Already some innovative technologies and approaches are being invested in to reduce water consumption, increase water reuse and strengthen resilience. It is vital the learnings and experiences to date are used to help shape EU policy and support services that enable a more water-resilient and competitive economy.”
ENDS
