Draft plan published for wastewater system
Uisce Éireann has announced that it will be taking public submissions as part of an eight-week consultation of its Draft Cork Wastewater Strategy.
The consultation will run between 22 January and 19 March.
The strategy was published on 22 January, alongside the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report, and Natura Impact Statement (NIS).
The key elements of the strategy include the decommissioning of 16 smaller wastewater treatment plants (WwTPs), and upgrading nine WwTPs.
It also recommends improvements to the wastewater drainage network, and a detailed environmental assessment.
Ted O’Reilly, Asset Planning Senior Manager (Wastewater) at Uisce Éireann said that the draft strategy “represents a major step forward in planning for the future of wastewater service in the Cork Metropolitan Area”.
“By taking a long-term, evidence-based approach, we can ensure the region has the capacity and resilience it needs to support growing communities, protect the environment, and meet our regulatory obligations,” he said.
The Cork Metropolitan Area (CMA) includes 26 WwTPs, 193 water pumping stations, 225 stormwater overflows and approximately 1,300km of wastewater network.
The draft strategy’s study area encompasses Cork Harbour and the Port of Cork, containing over 25 towns and villages in addition to the CMA.
The National Planning Framework 2040 anticipates that Cork will become the fastest-growing city region in Ireland by 2020, with population predicted to increase by 50-60%.
Uisce Éireann said that rapid growth is placing “significant pressure” on existing drainage and wastewater infrastructure.
The draft strategy sets out what it calls a long-term plan for managing wastewater services across the CMA as far as 2080.
Proposed changes
The WwTPs at Blarney, Whitechurch, Kileens, and Watergrasshill are recommended to have their flow rerouted to the Carrigrennan WwTP, which will be upgraded to accommodate for the increased flow.
Before this change, the flow from Iniscara WwTP would be decommissioned, its flow being sent to Blarney before that location is finally decommissioned.
Blarney is expected to be able to deal with the increased flow in the short-term.
A similar arrangement will develop for the sites at Carrignavar and Grenagh, both of which will see their flows diverted to Whitechurch, before that plant is finally decommissioned.
Ballincurrig and Lisgold North will both be diverted to Lisgold South. Ballygarvan, Minane Bridge, Halfway, and North Cobh WwTPs will be decommissioned and diverted to Cork Lower Harbour, while Saleen’s flow will be sent to Cloyne.Upgrades are being recommended for nine WwTPs, including Cork Lower Harbour, Lisgold South, and Midleton. A new facility is being recommended for Ballincollig.