Planning sought to tackle flooding at Lady Louisa's Walk

Uisce Éireann has submitted a planning application for prevalidation to Waterford City and County Council seeking development at and adjacent to the existing Lismore Wastewater Treatment Plant, Lady Louisa’s Walk and St Declan’s Way in Lismore.

Construction of a new surface water outfall of 525mm diameter pipeline, stretching 125 metres in length is sought by the services provider, with connection to the existing treatment plant outfall pipe. Associated manholes and headwall to the Blackwater riverbank and all associated and ancillary development are also sought, along with all associated and ancillary development and works above and below ground level.

According to a planning report submitted with planning documentation at the end of last month, the application relates to the provision of essential improvement works to the existing Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) at Lismore.

“The catalyst for same is due to existing flooding emanating from a section of pipeline due to its capacity constraints. The works are limited in scope and will not materially alter the core of the WWTP, rather relates to a specific element of the plant, namely the outfall of surface water overflow, given that the WWTP is fed by a combined sewer network around the town,” the document reads.

Both Uisce Éireann and the Environmental Protection Agency have emphasised, according to the report, that a solution to the flooding issue and the resultant proposed works are a priority.

At the start of Lady Louisa’s Walk, it is noted that the flooding repeatedly occurs at a manhole due to the inadequate capacity (narrowing) of the storm pipeline downstream of the ‘problematic’ manhole.

A decision due date on the pre-validation planning application is expected on May 23.