Crossbarry sewerage scheme on track says Cork FF TD

The long-awaited Crossbarry sewerage scheme is “on track and moving”, a Cork North West TD has said, confirming that Cork County Council and Uisce Éireann are working together to advance it.

Fianna Fáil’s Aindrias Moynihan confirmed that both bodies have met to agree on a joint approach to the project and are preparing a Memorandum of Understanding that will set out timelines for delivery.

He acknowledged the locals have endured the “defective” temporary plant for many years, but said that €3.3m in capital funding approved in June 2023 would enable the delivery of the project.

He told The Echo: 

“This is a real sign that the project is back on track and moving. Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council are now coming together and agreeing on their balance of the funding to get this scheme off the ground.

“For more than a decade, the malfunctioning wastewater treatment plant at Cluain na Croise in Crossbarry has caused major problems for residents.

“It has caused blocked sewers and foul odours to repeated overflows that the council has had to constantly clean up. It’s been deeply unfair on locals, and it’s time to get this resolved.”

Fixing the plant will tackle environmental issues and have a direct impact on daily life in the village, he said, adding: “Residents have lived with uncertainty for far too long. They want to see a clear pathway to getting this issue sorted so they can move on with their lives.

“Once completed, the new sewerage system will serve the town and surrounding communities, drastically improving water quality and eliminating the ongoing issues with blockages and odours.

“This is a long-overdue step forward for the people of Crossbarry, and I will continue to push both Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council to get this vital project over the line without any further delays.”