A PROPOSAL to develop housing in Lahinch has been refused planning permission due to inadequate sewage treatment.
The local authority stated the development would be “premature” due to a deficiency in sewerage facilities locally and “result in a risk of pollution and would be prejudicial to public health”.
John Talty Construction Ltd had applied to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a development of eight houses, comprising six detached and two semi-detached homes.
The proposal included all associated site development works, wastewater pre-treatment and connections to public services at Cill Stuifin, School Road, Attycristora, Lahinch.
However in refusing permission Clare County Council stated the proposal would be
“premature by reference to the existing deficiency in the provision of sewerage facilities in Lahinch and the period within which this constraint may reasonably be expected to cease”.
The planning authority’s decision continued, “It is further considered that the proposed development of eight houses to be served by means of an on-site waste water treatment would set an undesirable precedent for development of further housing estates served by such ad-hoc treatment systems.
“Taken in conjunction with the level of existing and approved development in the vicinity it would result in a risk of pollution and would be prejudicial to public health.”
A planner’s report completed during the planning process found that the principle of the proposed development was acceptable.
However it noted that there are “significant issues outstanding” in relation to wastewater treatment in the area.
The report stated the temporary use of an on-site wastewater treatment system is “only acceptable” to the planning authority in instances where the required upgrade works to the Irish Water treatment system are commenced or where a contract is signed for works and the date of the works is known.
“At this point in time there is no date for any upgrade works to the Lahinch Wastewater Treatment System,” the report noted.
“Therefore, permission should not be granted for a temporary onsite wastewater treatment system in this instance, the use of which would be indefinite (with associated maintenance issues).
Permission should be refused for the proposed development,” the planner stated.
The planning application resulted in a number of objections being made to the planning authority including a submission by the chair of the Clare Labour Party Denis Vaughan which detailed reports of people becoming ill after swimming because of untreated sewage in the water.
Mr Vaughan, speaking for Clare Labour, welcomed the decision of the council to refuse permission saying it has “highlighted once more the entirely unacceptable standard of infrastructure in North Clare.
“The shortfall is holding up urgently needed social housing and other essential development.”
He said the “serious deficit of services” must now be addressed “to make adequate piped water and sewerage available in Lahinch so that social housing and other critical infrastructure can be provided for local residents who have been waiting far too long.”
And he has urged government TDs and councillors to push for funding for an upgrade of the system.