Fine Gael Representatives Welcome Planning Approval for New Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ballineen/Enniskeane

O’Shea, O’Donovan and McCarthy say approval is a major step towards unlocking future housing and economic development

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea, Senator Noel O’Donovan and local Fine Gael Councillor Brendan McCarthy have welcomed the granting of planning permission for the development of a new, larger Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to serve Ballineen and Enniskeane.

The planning approval represents a significant milestone for the project, which will provide much-needed additional wastewater treatment capacity and support the future sustainable development of the Ballineen/Enniskeane area.

Deputy John Paul O’Shea said “I warmly welcome the granting of planning permission for this critically important wastewater infrastructure project in Ballineen/Enniskeane.

“The existing wastewater treatment plant at Derrigra has a capacity of just 350 population equivalent (PE), while the current load is approximately 760 PE. It is therefore clear that the existing infrastructure is under significant pressure and is not capable of supporting the future needs of the community.

“The new facility will have a design capacity of 1,250 PE, providing the additional capacity that is required to accommodate existing demand while also creating the headroom necessary for future housing, business and economic development.

“Planning approval is a major step forward, but we now need to see the project move into construction as quickly as possible. I will continue to engage with Uisce Éireann and all relevant stakeholders to ensure there is no unnecessary delay in delivering this essential infrastructure.”

Senator Noel O’Donovan said “This planning approval is very welcome news for Ballineen and Enniskeane and is a significant vote of confidence in the future of the area.

“For too long, inadequate wastewater infrastructure has acted as a constraint on the growth of rural towns and villages. We need to ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of our communities.

“This new facility will provide the capacity required to support additional housing and economic activity while also ensuring that wastewater is treated to the required environmental standards.

“I now look forward to seeing the project progress to the next stage and ultimately into construction. Delivering this infrastructure is essential if we are serious about supporting the continued growth and development of Ballineen and Enniskeane.”

Local Fine Gael Councillor Brendan McCarthy also welcomed the planning approval, highlighting the environmental and sustainability elements incorporated into the project.

“I am delighted to see planning permission granted for this important project. This has been a long-standing infrastructure requirement for Ballineen and Enniskeane and the planning approval brings us another significant step closer to having a modern wastewater treatment facility in place.

“I particularly welcome the inclusion of photovoltaic solar panels as part of the development. The incorporation of renewable energy into the project is a positive addition which can help reduce the facility’s operational costs and improve its environmental sustainability.

“The priority now must be to maintain momentum and move towards construction. I will continue to work closely with Uisce Éireann, Cork County Council and my colleagues to ensure this project progresses as quickly as possible.

“This is an important investment in the future of Ballineen and Enniskeane and will provide the wastewater capacity needed to support new homes, local businesses and the wider community for many years to come.”

The approved development encompasses works at the existing Derrigra wastewater treatment site as well as the construction of a new greenfield treatment facility.

The new facility will include new inlet works, primary settlement tanks, rotating biological contactor units, humus tanks, sludge and chemical dosing infrastructure, a new administration building and associated wastewater pipelines and outfall infrastructure.

The project will also include improvements to access, boundary treatment, site lighting and associated site development works, as well as the installation of approximately 200 square metres of ground-mounted photovoltaic solar panels.

The three Fine Gael representatives said the granting of planning permission should now allow the project to progress to the next stage, with the focus firmly on delivering the new facility on the ground without unnecessary delay.