Uisce Éireann to hold further non‑statutory consultation on Lahinch‑Ennistymon wastewater plant

Uisce Éireann has confirmed that no final decision has been made on the location of a new wastewater treatment plant serving Ennistymon and Lahinch.

Earlier this month, landowners in the Calluragh area of Lahinch were approached by Uisce Éireann agents about a possible facility on their land, adjacent to Calluragh graveyard, with untreated effluent slated to be discharged off Cregg beach. Following local concerns, the water utility met with North Clare councillors and representatives of Clare TDs and senators last Friday.

At the meeting, councillors asked Uisce Éireann to undertake a second non‑statutory public consultation before any planning permission is submitted. “Our objective was to see where the project was at, as we hadn’t heard anything from Uisce Éireann since last year,” said Fine Gael Cllr Joe Garrihy. He noted that while no site has been formally selected, a preferred location is under assessment and that 19 alternative sites have also been examined.

A Uisce Éireann spokesperson said the project remains at an early stage, with preferred sites identified but still subject to further environmental, ecological and technical surveys. The utility pledged to continue engaging with landowners, hold public information events and carry out the necessary studies.

The existing treatment plants at Lahinch and Ennistymon are deemed unfit for purpose, with the Lahinch plant experiencing frequent flooding. Uisce Éireann says the new plant will improve water quality, protect the coastal environment, support tourism and meet EU standards.

Source: Clare Champion. Photo: Amine KM / Pexels.