VARTRY DECISION DUE IN SEPTEMBER
AN oral hearing into the Vartry Reservoir planning decision was held last week by An Bord Pleanala, with a decision due by September.
The hearing heard from Irish Water who propose the water treatment upgrade scheme, as well as those objecting to the works.
The decision has been appealed by a number of groups in the Ashford area on the basis that Irish Water were not required to undertake an Environmental Impact Statement as part of their planning permission.
Cllr Jennifer Whitmore was one of those to contribute to the oral hearing. She has a background in fisheries management and environmental law. ‘ The hearing was a good opportunity for us all to hear the other side and gain a better understanding of the issues.’ She said that the two main issues are the building of a new treatment plant, and the operation of the new plant. ‘I have no problems with the building of the new plant, and I understand that there are health, safety and supply reasons why it is necessary. My concerns about this project relate only to the operation of the new treatment plant, and the reduced volume of water that Irish Water propose to give to the Vartry River,’ she said.
‘In my opinion, the proposed reduction in flow to the Vartry by up to two-thirds the volume it has received over the past 10 years cannot be permitted without an environmental impact assessment. It is a very valuable river for Wicklow and we need to afford it a sufficient level of protection.’ Speaking at the hearing, she said that Irish Water’s consultation with the public had been inadequate.
In particular, Irish Water referred to this project as an upgrade to the existing reservoir. Cllr. Whitmore pointed out at the hearing that if a proposal went to WCC to ‘add an extension onto a house, but the extension was located in an adjoining field, that the extension would be considered a new building. This is, in essence, what Irish Water are planning to do. A new plant will be built on the adjoining site, and the existing plant will be mainly decommissioned, and that this should have been considered a new development, and had to undergo a full environmental impact assessment as a result.’
She said that she believes there is a solution. Cllr Whitmore told the hearing that she would like to see permission to build the plant given. ‘In the two to three years it takes to build, significant monitoring and measuring could be undertaken, including fish stocks. The information gathered during this time be used to inform any decisions on reducing flows, and to address and environmental concerns.’ She also requested that a management plan for the river be put in place to ensure continued protection for the river into the future. Irish Water said that the works will ensure drinking water for 200,000 people from Roundwood, through Wicklow and up to south Dublin. ‘Without the upgrade to the Vartry Water Treatment Plant, Irish Water would need to restrict or cease allowing new connections for homes and businesses, or increases in water usage for businesses in the region to protect existing customers and maintain the current level of service,’ they said.