Villages wait 36 years for sewage plan

COASTAL villages in Waterford which have lagged behind because of poor infrastructure could be on the verge of a major boost.

A long-awaited sewage scheme for the Seven Villages coastal region is about to get up and again running soon following a commitment from the Department of the Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to the project.

The scheme covers Ardmore, Ballyduff, Cappoquin, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Stradbally and Tallow and was first mooted 36 years ago. But its full delivery has been delayed again and again for a variety of reasons.

Local Fine Gael TD, John Deasy, said the secretary general of the Department of the Marine has finally acknowledged coastal parts of county Waterford for a number of reasons, primarily the foreshore license process. The process ensures the scheme does not have an adverse environmental impact on each area.

Mr Deasy said. “This scheme was first raised 36 years ago. Now we finally have a preliminary foreshore license for Cheek Point. It’s moving along slowly and we are getting there but it is a torturous process.”

He said for the good of the villages involved, it is critical that the scheme go ahead.

“Doctors have been telling us that there is ecoli in the water and sewage needs to be treated. It’s a human health issue,” he added in an interview yesterday on local radio, WLR FM.