Fine Gael Representatives Welcomes Planning Application for New Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ballineen/Enniskeane

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea along with Senator Noel O’ Donovan and local Councillor Brendan McCarthy has welcomed confirmation that Uisce Éireann is to apply to Cork County Council for planning permission to develop a new, larger Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to serve Ballineen/Enniskeane.

Deputy O’Shea said the application marks a critically important step forward for the future growth and sustainable development of the area. “At present, the existing wastewater treatment plant in Derrigra has a capacity of just 350 population equivalent (PE), while the current load is approximately 760 PE. This clearly demonstrates the urgent need for expanded capacity. The proposed new plant, designed for 1,250 PE, will more than address existing pressures and provide the headroom required for future housing and economic growth in Ballineen and Enniskeane.”

Senator Noel O’Donovan added “Inadequate wastewater infrastructure has been a long-standing constraint on development in many rural towns and villages. This investment is absolutely essential. Without modern and adequate wastewater infrastructure, we cannot deliver new homes, support local businesses, or protect our natural environment. This project will unlock potential and provide certainty for families and businesses in the area.”

Details of the Proposed Development

The planning application relates to two sites in the townland of Derrigra:

Site A – Existing Wastewater Treatment Plant

• Removal of the existing prefabricated cabin and demolition of existing tanks and chambers

• Construction of a new storm tank and pumping station

• Installation of a kiosk

• Modified storm overflow connection to the existing outfall to the Derrigra Stream

• Internal access road improvements

• Upgrades to boundary treatment and site lighting

• All associated site development works

Site B – New Greenfield Treatment Facility

• New inlet works

• Two primary settlement tanks

• Flow splitting chambers

• Four Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) units with concrete wall enclosure

• Two below-ground humus tanks

• Sampling chambers

• Sludge holding tank

• Chemical dosing tanks

• New administration building

• New treated outfall pipeline to the River Bandon

• Boundary treatment including a 2.4m high weld mesh fence

• Upgrade of the existing field entrance to the R586

• New internal access road and site lighting

• Diversion of existing overhead electricity lines

• The development also includes a new interconnecting pipeline in the public road linking Site A and Site B.

• Installation of ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar panels (approximately 200sqm) with associated electrical kiosk

• Partial demolition of the remains of a derelict building façade on the R586 to improve sightlines and site access

• All associated site development works above and below ground

Local Fine Gael Councillor Brendan McCarthy also welcomed the upgrade work to the WWTP and particularly the inclusion of renewable energy elements within the project. “The installation of photovoltaic solar panels as part of the development is a positive step, helping to reduce operational costs and improve the environmental sustainability of the facility.”

Cllr. McCarthy concluded by encouraging continued engagement throughout the planning process. “I will continue to work closely with Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council to ensure this vital project progresses as quickly as possible. This is a major infrastructural investment for Ballineen/Enniskeane and a strong vote of confidence in the future of the community.”