Planning refused for hundreds of houses in Louth due to wastewater concerns

Planning permission for over 500 homes near Dundalk was refused because Uisce Éireann was not able to provide an effective wastewater treatment system, it has been revealed by Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú.

The application, by Marina Quarter Limited, for 502 homes at the Blackrock Road, Haggardstown, was refused by An Bord Pleanala because of concerns about the “existing deficiency in the capacity of sewerage facilities” at the Coe’s Road pumping station which, Uisce Éireann said, would not be fixed until 2027.

In its decision to refuse permission in June, An Bord Pleanala said: “Having regard to ...correspondence from Uisce Eireann, the Board was not satisfied a sufficiently developed commitment and specific timeframe has been provided that demonstrates the proposed development would have access to an effective wastewater treatment system.

“The Board noted in the correspondence from Uisce Eireann that the wastewater connection... ‘would add flows to the Coes Road pumping station which does not have the capacity for the development Furthermore, Uisce Eireann estimated this capacity upgrade to be completed by 2027’.

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Water capacity in Dundalk, and the fact that Louth County Council has put Irish Water on notice about their ‘grave concerns’ about a number of pumping stations were highlighted to Taoiseach Simon Harris by Deputy Ó Murchú.

He pointed out how local media had reported how Louth County Council has put Uisce Éireann on notice ‘regarding grave concerns about a number of network pumping stations and wastewater treatment issues’ and reminded the Taoiseach how there were ‘huge problems’ in Dundalk and North Louth this time last year.

He said: “There have been heavy rains recently causing major worry. There are questions in regard to capacity.”

He said he had spoken about infrastructural deficits and said Louth Oireachtas members are due to meet with Uisce Éireann this week.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: “We also need to make sure we have the capacity to deliver the necessary housing, as well as the industrial units and so on that we are very glad to have in Dundalk.

"This issue needs to be addressed. We cannot rely on not having heavy rains into the future.”

In response, the Taoiseach said: “Deputy Ó Murchú raised Uisce Éireann, specifically a pumping station and wastewater treatment issues in Dundalk and north Louth, the impact they are having and the fact that there are plans in place.

"I will seek an update for him from Uisce Éireann about the speedy delivery of them.”