The North Cork village of Lombardstown is set to finally get its Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) – nearly 20 years after it was initially promised to the local community. The news was confirmed this week by Irish Water to local Councillor John Paul O’ Shea (Ind) who has been fighting this cause since his election to Cork County Council.
The existing waste water services at Lombardstown comprises only that of a communal overloaded septic tank, which discharges directly into the nearby River Blackwater. Commenting on the announcement that a new WWTP is to be installed at Lombardstown, Cllr. O’ Shea said “This news has been long awaited but I am glad it is finally coming to fruition. This is something that the community have been seeking for well over 20 years now and when installed, will make a significant environmental contribution to the local community. Cork County Council purchased a site for the new WWTP back in 2013 so this new Plant can be accommodated”.
The presence and existence of Fresh Water Pearl Mussells in the River Blackwater has now doubt accelerated the need for a new WWTP in the village. The existing septic tank has failed to meet the many EPA standards set down in order to protect the population of these protected species and their habitat in that part of the River Blackwater.
Also welcoming the news, Chairman of Lombardstown Community Council Jerry O’ Regan said “This is a wonderful announcement for Lombardstown. The existing septic tank is currently taking over three times its capacity which is obviously not sustainable environmentally and is discharging immediately upstream of a concentration of Freshwater Pearl Mussells in the River Blackwater. I want to thank all involved in getting us to where we are today and I hope Irish Water and Cork County Council can install this new Waste Water System as soon as is practically possible so our community can continue to grow into the future”.
Cork County Council will now proceed to appoint a consultant who will prepare a preliminary report and options preparation for the new WWTP for Irish Water.
