Sewerage plant upgrade approved

AN Bord Pleanála has granted Ennis Town Council planning permission for the €2.8 million upgrade of the main wastewater treatment plant at Clonroadmore, Ennis.

This decision, which is subject to 12 conditions, has been welcomed by Clare County Council. The development will upgrade the existing wastewater treatment plant from a design capacity of 17,000 population equivalent to a design capacity of 30,150 population equivalent.
The works include an increased stormwater storage capacity, the provision of a new clarifier, a new picket fence thickener for sludge treatment and the provision of a tertiary treatment system at Clonroadmore, Ennis.
It cost €85,556 for the board to consider the application, which results in a €14,443 refund for the town council after it paid €100,000.
The board ruled the mitigation measures set out in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) have to be implemented in full and the odour level coming from the site can’t exceed the permitted level.
The council has to consult with Iarnród Eireann prior to the start of works on site in relation to health and safety measures to ensure any risks can be appropriately managed.
A full oral hearing took place in July of this year. The conditions of the planning permission are under examination by Clare County Council at present and it is expected construction will commence in early 2012.
Commenting on the announcement. Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Hayes stated, “I welcome this announcement from An Bord Pleanála, which is great news for the town of Ennis and will facilitate the continued growth and development of Ennis and its environs.
“It will provide essential infrastructure for Ennis, a designated hub town under the National Spatial Strategy, and will improve the quality of the environment for our citizens.”
This scheme is funded under the Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP) 2010–2012 by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and Clare County Council.
Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Michael Guilfoyle also welcomed the development.
“This upgrade to the main wastewater treatment plant at Clonroadmore is much needed infrastructure for Ennis, allowing further essential developments to take place and provide a better environmental quality for the people of Ennis,” Councillor Guilfoyle said.