Uisce Eireann has been given the green light for the construction of a new Wastewater Treatment Plan in Ballyvaughan.
Planning permission has been granted on a 1.2 hectare site in the North Clare village subject to twelve conditions.
In 2021 Ballyvaughan was identified by the EPA as one of five areas in this county that discharged raw sewage into seas and rivers every day.
However it looks like those fears may soon be allayed for the North Clare community as Uisce Eireann has this week received approval for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in the village.
The development will consist of a 285m gravity sewer network that will intercept the flow from the east of the catchment area.
The flow will then be redirected to the new plant which is to be equipped with two settlement tanks, a control room, a standby generator, two solar panels and a modern pumping station.
The development received one public objection during the submission process with a local resident citing concerns over property devaluation due to noise disruption and the smell of sewerage when the facility is operational.
However in a supporting application document , Uisce Eireann contend that the project is essential to stop untreated wastewater from being discharged directly into the sea at Ballyvaughan Bay and to support the many pubs, restaurants, shops, B&Bs and other amenities including boating, fishing, and scuba diving activities in the village.
Ultimately Clare County Council granted approval subject to twelve conditions.
