24 January 2017
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
Irish Water is progressing plans for the new Courtmacsherry/Timoleague Sewerage Scheme which will have significant economic and environmental benefits for the area.
The project is aimed at addressing issues with inadequate wastewater treatment in the area, while also facilitating future growth and development.
At present, untreated effluent is being discharged at Timoleague and the level of treatment at Courtmacsherry is inadequate. As a result, neither currently complies with Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations (2001) and are listed on the EPA’s Wastewater Action List (WWAL).
Proposed works, for which planning permission has been granted, include the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant at Cullenagh, Courtmacsherry which will be capable of treating the wastewater for a population equivalent to 2,500. Planning permission has also been granted for the construction of a new pumping station at Timoleague and all the necessary network upgrades to facilitate the transfer of this wastewater to the new treatment plant.
On January 18, Irish Water submitted a Notice of a Compulsory Purchase Order to An Bord Pleanala for lands relating to this project, including land acquisition, permanent wayleaves and temporary working areas. If confirmed, the order will authorise Irish Water to compulsorily acquire lands for this sewerage scheme.
Mark Murray, Wastewater Regional Lead with Irish Water, commented: “We are very pleased to be progressing with this important project in West Cork. The works that are proposed will have significant environmental and economic benefits for the area by removing these schemes from the EPA’s Wastewater Action List while also facilitating future residential and commercial development in the area.”
