Key Sewerage Scheme Moves Forward In Cork

A major sewerage scheme is moving forward which will look to end the discharge of raw sewage into Bantry Bay in Cork.

The current situation at Bantry Bay sees the equivalent of 1,700 wheelie bins of untreated sewage discharged every day, threatening water quality, marine life and human health.

The Castletownbere Sewerage Scheme will include the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and associated network to ensure that any discharge to the bay meets all appropriate discharge standards.


Irish Water is working in partnership with Cork County Council on the project.

Seamus Glynn, Infrastructure Programme Regional Lead, said: "This project is of vital importance for Castletownbere. The new sewerage scheme will safeguard the environment and water quality in Bantry bay as well as providing a platform for the future growth and development of Castletownbere village, which is currently constrained by the lack of wastewater treatment.


"We will continue to engage with the local community as this project progresses with a view to delivering the project with the minimum of disruption, while delivering the maximum benefit to the people of Castletownbere."

Irish Water is now applying to An Bord Pleanála to use or acquire the wayleaves and lands required for this vital project by a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), and has submitted a CPO application to An Bord Pleanála. A planning application has also been lodged.

(CM/MH)