Access to sewerage system in doubt

Likely new development projects in Bandon, Co Cork may not have automatic access to the town’s sewerage system.

The warning came from a senior county council official who told developers not to take for granted any hook-up with the sewerage network.

County engineer David Keane revealed that Irish Water had decided not to proceed with a proposal to dispose of rainwater separately into the Bandon River and, instead, to direct it into a multi-million euro treatment plant.

The utility company, it is believed, decided that two piping systems would not be cost-effective.

Irish Water is in the process of redrawing plans which will postpone the commencement of proposed sewerage scheme works from March until at least September.

Since last Tuesday, all plant facilities associated with water and sewerage in Cork county have transferred from the control of the local authority to Irish Water.

Mr Keane said, prior to that, permission to hook up to treatment plants required approval from the council.

However, while he expects developers may get the nod from the utility company to connect new sewerage schemes to the treatment plant, Mr Keane indicated there may be “some uncertainty” over whether they will get permission to pump excess rainwater into the plant.

“Now the decision rests with Irish Water and if they say ‘no’ the developer will have to put his own pipes down for the discharge of water elsewhere.”

Such a procedure would have huge cost implications for project promoters considering any developments on the periphery of the town.

This may be seen as another potential setback for Bandon following an announcement last week that the town’s proposed €10m flood relief scheme also faces construction delays.

The OPW, in charge of the flood relief project, is facing a High Court action over the awarding of a tender to contractors lined up to undertake the work.

Chairman of the council’s western division, Cllr Pat Murphy (FF) said councillors would raise the issue of rainwater drainage directly with Irish Water officials when they meet next Monday at a clinic for councillors in County Hall.

The Department of the Environment has already rubber-stamped the utility company’s decision.

Mr Keane said if the council could come up with funding for separate rainwater drainage, Irish Water would allow the local authority to proceed with pipe-laying.

He has informed council chief executive Tim Lucey of his views, but the council is cash-strapped at present.

Assistant county manager James Fogarty also indicated there may be “some implications” for some proposed developments.

County Cork mayor Cllr Alan Coleman said the setbacks “were potentially very serious” for the town.

Work on building the town’s new sewerage system is also delayed due to the redrawing of plans. It had been anticipated essential new works in Bandon would get under way in March but, according to council officials, September is a more likely date for commencement.