Another four weeks until solution for WWT plant decided

Irish Water have confirmed this week that they expect to be able to confirm what solution they will be adopting for a temporary solution to the capacity issues at the Mitchelstown WWT Plant within four weeks. Originally, the services company said the decision would be announced by late January.

They are currently looking at a report on options, which will provide additional capacity for between 1,800 and 2,000 ‘ population equivalents’ i.e. people. However, whatever option they choose could be the beginning of a long road, as the project would need agreement with external stakeholders, “including industrial licence holders, the planning authority and the EPA” to progress the work.

Irish Water made the confirmation on the timeframe to Cork East TD Seán Sherlock, who said that a decision was vital in order for the population of Mitchelstown to be served.

“The decision on Mitchelstown needs to be made so that we can get building houses for people. There is a concerted political effort underway by all sides. It’s very frustrating for people and I can’t understand why the Minister would not intervene at this stage, if he is serious about building houses.

“The people of Mitchelstown need these houses, and let me reassure the people that my persistence will bear fruit and I refuse to let this issue go.”

LONGER-TERM SOLUTION

Meanwhile, Irish Water are also looking at a longer-term solution to the capacity issues that will cater for a 10-year expansion of the town, with the option to expand this to cater for a 25-year expansion.