An Bord Pleanála has upheld planning permission for a new multi-million-euro water treatment facility in the East Cork.
The plant will serve over 10,000 Uisce Éireann customers in the wider Whitegate area.
The water network there has been subject to frequent boil water notices in recent years
Cork County Council and the water utility say they expect construction to begin in the second half of this year, and take approximately 22 months.
Planning permission was initially approved by Cork County Council in May 2023, however following the statutory planning process, appeals were subsequently lodged.
Uisce Éireann has now been informed that An Bord Pleanála has upheld this decision.
Infrastructure Delivery Programme Manager for Uisce Éireann, Hugh Kennedy said “We are delighted to be progressing with the long-term plans for Whitegate. Along with our colleagues in Cork County Council, we wish to again thank everyone in Whitegate for their patience and co-operation. This has been a very frustrating time for the community as we have had to put Boil Water Notices in place to protect the health of the community. The issues with the water quality in the area are well known, but I want to assure the people of Whitegate that we are committed to delivering this new treatment plant in the shortest possible timeframe. We look forward to working with our colleagues in Cork County Council and the local community on delivering this vital project in the years to come.”
The major upgrade of the water treatment plant is to ensure a safe, reliable drinking water supply to customers.
The proposed works will include decommissioning of the old water treatment plant and building a of a new water treatment plant that will be able to treat approximate 6 million litres of water per day.
The new plant will contain a new coagulation, flocculation and clarification system, a new filtration system and a new disinfection system.
The project will also ensure that the Whitegate Public Water Supply is removed from the EPAs Remedial Action List.
Glanua have been appointed to deliver the Design, Planning, Construction and Commissioning works on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
Uisce Éireann is reminding customers supplied by the Whitegate Public Water Supply that the Boil Water Notice issued on 18 October 2023 remains in place.
