OBJECTIONS TO IRISH WATER’S VARTRY PLANS

A number of objections have been lodged over Irish Water’s plans to construct a new pipeline and additional structures for the transfer of treated drinking water from Vartry to Callowhill.

Among the objectors are Konrad and Katherine Jay, owners of Mount Usher Gardens; Donald Pratt, founder of Avoca food and retail company; the Vartry Anglers Conservation Club; and the River Vartry Protection Society.

Konrad and Katherine Jay describe the Irish Water planning application as ‘ill-considered and irresponsible.’

The objection continues: ‘It is no understatement to say that Mount Usher’s survival is almost entirely dependent on the continued and healthy survival of the River Vartry.’

They reject Irish Water claims that there is no need for an Environmental Impact Statement as ‘disingenuous’ and maintain that the proposed works would ‘cause serious damage and pollution to the river and river bank ecosystems downstream.’

Donald Pratt is the former director of Avoca and remains a custodian of Mount Usher. In his objection he says over €250,000 a year is spend on maintaining the gardens.

‘It beggars belief that Irish Water would even contemplate carrying out the proposed works and we are relying on Wicklow County Council to protect what is one of the most important places in the country.’

He added: ‘It’s not Isis and Palmyra, but it’s not far from that expression of the worst human behaviour.’

Friends of the Murrough have also lodged a submission, stating ‘ our main concern is for the protection of the Murrough as a habitat, as well as well as an amenity area. While the developments at the reservoir on the Murrough Special Area of Conservation are not deemed to be significant, we would be concerned that the impact of a large drop in the flow of river has not been sufficiently been explored, not least due to lack of information.’

The Vartry Anglers Club is also concerned about reduced volume of water in the river and the potential impact on wildlife and fish.

So far eleven submissions have been received.