Uisce Éireann preparing to draft plan to address Cork's wastewater needs over next 50 years 

The €144m Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Scheme eliminated the discharge into the harbour of raw sewage from Passage-Monkstown. Picture: Denis Minihane.

Uisce Éireann is preparing a major plan setting out Cork Metropolitan's wastewater needs for the next half-century.

The utility launched an eight-week period of public consultation on Wednesday to help it draft the 50-year Cork Wastewater Strategy, the first of its kind.

It will assess all wastewater treatment and network infrastructure in the region to determine what upgrades will be required to meet the future needs of the population, accounting for economic growth, environmental changes, and climate change.

“The project aims to ensure adequate provision of wastewater services are planned and in place for homes, businesses, and industry within the project area,” a spokesperson said.

Cork Chamber ceo Conor Healy said it couldn't be more timely.

"The National Planning Framework 2040 predicts that Cork will become the fastest-growing city region in Ireland with a projected 50% to 60% increase of its population in the period up to 2040," he said.

“The wastewater drainage infrastructure is challenged to keep pace with the increased demand for new serviced land for housing, commercial developments, and industry."

Public consultation

Members of the public have been invited to participate in the consultation and make a submission to the project team before the July 9 deadline. Uisce Éireann said it will also consult with a wide range of environmental and public bodies.

“This is an important project for the people of Cork, the first of its kind undertaken,” said Paul Fallon, portfolio manager for Uisce Éireann.

“Uisce Éireann is proactively looking ahead to identify the needs of the area, and the community, as far forward as 2080."

Uisce Éireann will review the feedback from the public consultation and will publish a strategy in 2025.

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While the utility continues to grabble with the city's dirty drinking water problem, it said the final wastewater strategy will build on the significant investment it has already made in improving the wastewater infrastructure in Cork, which has seen improved wastewater treatment in Innishannon, Mallow, Dripsey, Ballyvourney, Coachford, Bandon, and Mitchelstown, as well as new wastewater treatment in Castletownsend, Castletownbere, and Inchigeelagh.

The €144m Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Scheme has also eliminated the discharge into the harbour of raw sewage from Ringaskiddy, Crosshaven, Carrigaline, Passage-Monkstown and Cobh town, benefitting 20,000 homes and businesses connected to the overall scheme.