Uisce Éireann has launched an eight week public consultation on a long-term strategy to guarantee sufficient wastewater services for the Cork Metropolitan region.

The first of its kind, the 50-year Cork Wastewater Strategy will evaluate all wastewater treatment and network infrastructure within the Cork Metropolitan Area (CMA). Its aim is to identify necessary upgrades to accommodate future population needs, taking into consideration economic expansion, environmental shifts and climate change.

Uisce Éireann will be 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. Public participation is encouraged and submissions to the project team are welcome from all members of the community. The objective of the project is to guarantee that sufficient wastewater services are strategically planned and implemented for residential, commercial, and industrial needs within the designated area.

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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. I’m really looking forward to the findings of this project and we would encourage local people to engage with us and to use the public consultation phase to get involved and have their say.

"This a big milestone in Cork’s future; the final strategy will build on the significant investment already made by Uisce Éireann in improving the wastewater infrastructure in Cork. Investment to date has improved wastewater treatment in Cork communities, including Innishannon, Mallow, Dripsey, Ballyvourney, Coachford, Bandon, and Mitchelstown, as well as providing new wastewater treatment in Castletownsend, Castletownbere and Inchigeelagh The Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Scheme, a €144m investment project, also eliminated the discharge of raw sewage from Ringaskiddy-Crosshaven-Carrigaline, Ringaskiddy village, Passage-Monkstown and Cobh town. Now complete, this project is benefitting 20,000 homes and businesses connected to the overall scheme."

Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO stated: "This comes at a critical juncture for Cork, the economic success of the Cork Metropolitan Area has led to very significant growth in Cork City and surrounding areas. 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."

Submissions are invited from all interested parties for eight weeks from 15 May to 9 July 2024.