The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
WORK on a new sewerage scheme for Ballyvaughan could begin next year, subject to planning permission, according to Irish Water. The utility outlined details in a response to a motion from Councillor Joe Killeen who asked for an update on schemes for Ballyvaughan and Kilfenora.
In a reply sent ahead of the January meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Irish Water said it anticipated acquiring lands and making a planning application this year for the Ballyvaughan Waste Water Treatment Plant (WwTP). “Irish Water is progressing with plans to construct a new wastewater treatment plant (WwTP) in Ballyvaughan that will serve a population equivalent of 1055, as well as a new pumping station and associated sewer network infrastructure,” the writte response outlined. “We are planning to acquire lands and submit a planning application to Clare County Council in 2021 for this project. Once planning has been submitted, these plans will be available for the public to view in the planning offices of Clare County Council and also online via the eplanning portal. Subject to planning being granted, Irish Water expects to commence work in 2022.”
In relation to the treatment plant for Kilfenora, Irish Water noted that permission had been granted in late 2019. “We are currently in the process of acquiring the land required for the proposed scheme and we hope to commence construction in 2022,” the response outlined.
Councillor Killeen welcomed the update as well as clarification on where the plans will be available for public viewing and submissions. “I would also ask that Irish water would make contact with and use local knowledge in the construction of the WWT works,” he said. “At least there is good news in the offing for both Ballyvaughan and Kilfenora.”
Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Councillor Joe Garrihy said that at least this was one positive response from Irish Water on the provision of services in Clare.
