The Mayor of Ennis is accusing the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage of passing the buck regarding wastewater infrastructure in Clare.
It comes as it’s been confirmed an “interim upgrade project” for the at-capacity Clareabbey Wastewater Treatment Plant will be delivered within the next two years.
At the June meeting of Ennis Municipal District, Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly requested that the MD make “urgent contact” with Minister James Browne with a view to securing funding for the upgrade of the Clareabbey Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The facility is currently at capacity meaning no new planning permissions seeking to connect to the public network can be granted in Clarecastle or on the southside of Ennis.
Responding to Councillor Daly’s request, a letter from the department presented to local representatives this week emphasised that Uisce Éireann has “statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services”.
The correspondence says the “scope, prioritisation and progression of individual projects and operational issues is a matter for Uisce Éireann” and the minister has “no function in relation to operational matters”.
Councillor Daly wants the water utility to step up to the plate and deliver.
Separately, the department has confirmed to Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney that the long-term major upgrade project for the plant is at preliminary business case and concept design stage.
It says that because it’s subject to the infrastructure guidelines process, statutory approvals and funding arrangements, it’s expected it won’t be completed until after the funding period of 2025 to 2029.
The department has confirmed however that it’s progressing an “interim upgrade project” of the facility which is scheduled for delivery within the next two years.
Additionally, it’s revealed it’s progressing an “innovation initiative” aimed at “improving the performance and operation of the existing treatment infrastructure” while the interim upgrade is in the works.
Mayor of Ennis, Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle, says all parties need to work together to ensure the project comes to pass.
You can listen to the full interview here:
