'An important project for the people of Cork': Consultation underway on wastewater services 

People are urged to participate in a consultation on a long-term plan to ensure the adequate provision of wastewater services for the Cork Metropolitan Area (CMA).

Uisce Éireann has extended its public consultation, which commenced on May 15,  until July 23, 2024.

The first of its kind, the 50-year Cork Wastewater Strategy, will assess all wastewater treatment and network infrastructure in the CMA to determine what upgrades will be required to meet the future needs of the population, accounting for economic growth, environmental changes and climate change.

“This is an important project for the people of Cork, the first of its kind undertaken.

“Uisce Éireann is proactively looking ahead to identify the needs of the area, and the community, as far forward as 2080.

“We would encourage local people to use this extension period to get involved in the public consultation phase and have their say,” Paul Fallon, Portfolio Manager for Uisce Éireann said.

Uisce Éireann has been consulting with a wide range of environmental and public bodies to progress this comprehensive assessment of all existing infrastructure and set out a vision for future development.

Members of the public are also invited to participate in the consultation and make a submission.

Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO previously commented: “The National Planning Framework 2040 predicts that Cork will become the fastest-growing city region in Ireland with a projected 50% to 60% increase of its population in the period up to 2040.

“As a result of this growth, the wastewater drainage infrastructure is challenged to keep pace with the increased demand for new serviced land for housing, commercial developments, and industry.”

The Cork Wastewater Strategy aims to deliver a sustainable drainage strategy that will protect public health, safeguard the environment and facilitate growth to 2080.

Following the conclusion of this consultation, Uisce Éireann will review and consider the feedback received from stakeholders.

In 2025, the draft Cork Wastewater Strategy will be published, and an eight-week public consultation will be undertaken, before being reviewed and finalised in 2025.

For more information visit: https://www.water.ie/projects/strategic-plans/cork-wastewater-strategy