Permission granted for new Water Treatment Plant in Dungarven despite local objections

Uisce Éireann has been granted permission to build a new water treatment plant (WTP) in Dungarven despite a significant number of objections from local residents.

When completed, the new facility will be located immediately south of the existing elevated water tower in the townland of Ballynamuck on the outskirts of the town and will connect with the existing water tower site.

In seeking permission from the local authority, Uisce Éireann pointed out that the current Water Treatment Plant is included on the latest EPA Remedial Action List and that the existing reservoir only has capacity to supply the town for less than six hours.

Several deficiencies have been identified at the existing facility and it is proposed that the new WTP will have enough capacity to supply the town, which has a population of just under 15,000 people, for around 24 hours.

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While the final timeline for the project is subject to funding and the tender process, it is hoped that the new facility will be operational by 2027.

Recommending that permission be granted subject to a number of conditions, Anne Doyle, Executive Planner, stated: "It is considered that the proposed development which is critical infrastructure for Dungarvan would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."

Some of those who objected, raised concerns over the scale and height of development, the proximity of the proposed WTP to neighbouring houses and the potential for there to be noise disruption, particularly during the construction phase.

In granting permission, Waterford City and County Council imposed a total of 20 conditions.