Work underway to end discharge of untreated wastewater in east Cork

Uisce Éireann is poised to commence the next phase of a €16.3m scheme to end the discharge of untreated wastewater in Ballycotton Bay.

The company, together with Cork County Council and Glanua, has working in the Ballycotton area since April as part of a €16.3 million project which aims to end the daily discharge of over 860 wheelie bins of untreated wastewater into Ballycotton Bay.

The project involves the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and sewer network for the village.

Uisce Éireann’s Delivery Programme Manager, Darran O’Leary said that they have been making significant progress on the project to date.

Next phase of works 

The next phase of the work, which is expected to take four months to complete, will involve the installation of a new sewer network and will require traffic management measures.

“Works are progressing well to date with significant progress made at the wastewater treatment plant site and Cow Lane Pumping Station. We have been working closely with the community, and now we are set to commence the next phase of works that requires traffic management on main roads in the village. 

"These works, which involve installing a new sewer network, will require a temporary lane closure along the main street from the first week of October and are expected to take four months to complete. A manned stop-and-go system will be in place during working hours, with traffic lights in place by night. We are also replacing a problematic watermain while the sewerage works are ongoing to minimise disruption.

“I want to thank everyone in the community for their continued support while we deliver this vital project for the people of Ballycotton," he said. 

The project is due for completion next summer. 

Enhancing the area

Mr O'Leary said that ending the discharge of untreated wastewater in the area will enhance Ballycotton's value as an amenity. 

“Ballycotton is one of our beautiful coastal villages in County Cork and is hugely popular for tourists and natives alike for fishing, walking, and outdoor sports.

“Ending the daily discharge of 860 wheelie bins of raw sewage into Ballycotton Bay will provide cleaner water, enhance Ballycotton’s value as an amenity and encourage social and economic development.”

Any individual or business wishing to get a new connection to the public wastewater collection infrastructure in Ballycotton must contact Uisce Éireann.