Uisce Éireann in partnership with Cork County Council has been given the go-ahead to build a new water treatment facility in Whitegate.

In May 2023, planning permission was initially approved by Cork County Council however following the statutory planning process, appeals were subsequently lodged. Uisce Éireann has now been informed that An Bord Pleanála has upheld this decision.

The facility which will serve over 10,000 people in the East Cork community of Whitegate and surrounding areas. Glanua have been appointed to deliver the Design, Planning, Construction and Commissioning works on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

The planned construction of a new water treatment facility aims to resolve the recurring Boil Water Notices that residents of East Cork have endured in recent years. This improvement will guarantee a secure and dependable drinking water provision.

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The new plant will contain a new coagulation, flocculation and clarification system, a new filtration system and a new disinfection system. The project will also ensure that the Whitegate Public Water Supply is removed from the EPAs Remedial Action List.

Now that planning has been received, Uisce Éireann are working to finalise the required contractual agreements and budgetary approvals, to ensure that construction works are ready to begin in the second half of this year. The construction phase of the project is expected to take approximately 22 months.

Infrastructure Delivery Programme Manager for Uisce Éireann, Hugh Kennedy said: "We are delighted to be progressing with the long-term plans for Whitegate. Along with our colleagues in Cork County Council, we wish to again thank everyone in Whitegate for their patience and co-operation. This has been a very frustrating time for the community as we have had to put Boil Water Notices in place to protect the health of the community.

"The issues with the water quality in the area are well known, but I want to assure the people of Whitegate that we are committed to delivering this new treatment plant in the shortest possible timeframe.”

"We look forward to working with our colleagues in Cork County Council and the local community on delivering this vital project in the years to come."