Whitegate planning permission upheld
By Ellen O'Brien
An Bord Pleanála has upheld planning permission for a new state-of-the-art water treatment facility in Whitegate, it was recently announced.
The facility will serve 10,000 people in the East Cork community of Whitegate. In 2022, Uisce Éireann originally announced the plan for the multi-million euro investment that would put an end to frequent boil water notices in the community caused by various different issues with the water supply in the area.
Cork County Council initially approved the planning permission in May 2023, however following the statutory planning process, appeals were subsequently lodged. Uisce Éireann, previously known as Irish Water, has now been informed that An Bord Pleanála has upheld this decision.
Uisce Éireann said it is working to secure and finalise the required contractual agreements and budgetary approvals so that construction on the project can commence in the second half of this year.
The construction phase of the project is expected to last for approximately 22 months. The aim of the new facility is to address the frequent boil water notices that the people of East Cork have experienced over the past number of years.
This involves a major upgrade of the water treatment plant that will ensure a safe, reliable drinking water supply to customers. The proposed works will include decommissioning of the old water treatment plant and building a of a new water treatment plant that will be able to treat approximate 6 million litres of water per day.
Hugh Kennedy, Infrastructure Delivery Programme Manger for Uisce Éireann, said: “We are delighted to be progressing with the long-term plans for Whitegate. Along with our colleagues in Cork County Council, we wish to again thank everyone in Whitegate for their patience and co-operation. This has been a very frustrating time for the community as we have had to put boil water notices in place to protect the health of the community.”
He added: “The issues with the water quality in the area are well known, but I want to assure the people of Whitegate that we are committed to delivering this new treatment plant in the shortest possible timeframe ,we look forward to working with our colleagues in Cork County Council and the local community on delivering this vital project in the years to come.”
Construction of the new facility is planned to commence in the second half of this year. Uisce Éireann have stated that the boil water notice issued on 18 October 2023 for customers supplied by the Whitegate Public Water Supply remains in place.