AN ORAL hearing is to be held later this month in relation to the compulsory purchase of lands required for an upgrade to the Kilfenora Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).
An Bord Pleanála will facilitate the online hearing on Tuesday, January 19 with a decision on the matter pencilled in for January 21.
According to December’s management report from Clare County Council, it is proposed to upgrade the existing Kilfenora WWTP, reuse the existing treated effluent rising main to the current discharge
point and construct a new percolation area at this site. Planning permission has been granted to Irish Water, but the appeals board has opted to hold a hearing before it adjudicates on the project. The event is described as an opportunity “to make further submissions and to allow the inspector to seek clarification on any relevant issues arising and objections made”. The board has also stressed that the hearing will look at the nature of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), but “has no role or jurisdiction in the determination of the assessment of compensation”.
Irish Water have been allocated a maximum of 30 minutes to present their case to the board, while objectors John Howard of Clogher, Kilfenora, and Michael King of Ballybreen, Kilfenora, are allowed 30 minutes each.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the hearing will take place remotely on Microsoft Teams.