Uisce Éireann has extended its public consultation on a long-term plan to ensure adequate wastewater services for the Cork Metropolitan area by an additional two weeks.

The consultation period, which began on 15 May 2024, has been extended until 23 July 2024. This 50-year Cork Wastewater Strategy, the first of its kind, will evaluate all wastewater treatment and network infrastructure in the Cork Metropolitan Area (CMA). The strategy aims to identify necessary upgrades to meet future population needs, considering 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.

-- Advertisement --

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.