Uisce Éireann has launched an eight-week public consultation on the Draft Cork Wastewater Strategy, publishing it alongside the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement (NIS).

The consultation runs from 22 January to 19 March 2026.

Driven by the economic success of the Cork Metropolitan Area (CMA), Cork City and surrounding towns have experienced significant growth. Under the National Planning Framework 2040, Cork is expected to be Ireland’s fastest-growing city region, with a population rise of 50–60% by 2040. This trajectory is intensifying pressure on drainage and wastewater systems, which must expand to support housing, business activity and industry.

The draft outlines a long-term plan for wastewater services across the CMA, reviewing current infrastructure and setting out the investment needed to enable sustainable growth, protect the environment and build climate resilience through 2030, 2055 and 2080.

The CMA currently comprises 26 wastewater treatment plants, 193 pumping stations, 225 stormwater overflows and around 1,300 kilometres of wastewater network. The document assesses present performance and proposes a prioritised programme of upgrades, consolidation and new infrastructure to meet future population, economic and environmental needs.

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Key proposals include: decommissioning 16 smaller wastewater treatment plants, redirecting flows to larger, more efficient facilities; upgrades to nine plants to increase capacity and improve treatment standards; network and wastewater drainage improvements to enhance operational performance and long-term resilience; and comprehensive environmental assessment to support biodiversity, protect water quality and ensure compliance with national and EU directives.

These recommendations are informed by detailed technical work, including wastewater modelling, environmental assessment and multi‑criteria option appraisal. Projects will undergo further assessment in line with national investment governance requirements, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) where necessary.

Ted O'Reilly, Asset Planning Senior Manager (Wastewater), Uisce Éireann, said: "This draft Strategy represents a major step forward in planning for the future of wastewater services in the Cork Metropolitan Area. By taking a long term, evidence based approach, we can ensure the region has the capacity and resilience it needs to support growing communities, protect the environment, and meet our regulatory obligations. We are encouraging everyone with an interest in Cork's future to review the documents and share their views during the consultation period."

Conor Healy, CEO Cork Chamber, said: "Modern and resilient wastewater infrastructure is essential to the growth ambitions of the Cork Metropolitan Area. The publication of this draft strategy by Uisce Éireann is a welcome next step on that journey, and I would encourage all stakeholders to engage in the consultation process. The decisions made now will shape Cork’s future, ensuring the region can continue to attract investment, create jobs and support communities for decades to come."

Members of the public, community groups, elected representatives and stakeholders are invited to submit feedback. The consultation documents can be viewed and downloaded on Uisce Éireann’s website. Submissions are open until Thursday, 19 March 2026 via: online at consult.water.ie; email to [email protected]; or post to Cork Wastewater Strategy, Uisce Éireann, PO Box 860, South City Delivery Office, Cork City.

Uisce Éireann will also host a webinar during the consultation, with details and registration to be posted on the website. All feedback will be reviewed as Uisce Éireann finalises the Cork Wastewater Strategy, scheduled for publication later in 2026 alongside the SEA Statement and AA.