Public consultation extended on Wastewater Strategy for the Cork Metropolitan area

Uisce Éireann has extended its public consultation on a long-term plan to ensure the adequate provision of wastewater services for the Cork Metropolitan area by a further two weeks. The consultation period, which commenced on 15 May 2024, has been extended to the 23 July 2024.

The first of its kind, the 50-year Cork Wastewater Strategy, will assess all wastewater treatment and network infrastructure in the Cork Metropolitan Area (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. 

Uisce Éireann have 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.

Uisce Éireann will continue to welcome submissions from all interested parties until 23 July 2024. Further information and details of how to make a submission are available on the dedicated webpage Cork Wastewater Strategy. 

Paul Fallon, Portfolio Manager for Uisce Éireann said, “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 two-week extension period to get involved in the public consultation phase and have their say.”

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 our environment and facilitate growth to 2080.