Council asked to partner with private sector to increase Wicklow wastewater infrastructure
The Wicklow PeopleA local councillor has called on Wicklow County Council to consider working with the private sector to increase the development of local wastewater infrastructure.
Cllr Pat Kennedy made the call during the local authority’s November monthly meeting, ahead of a major policy change announced by the Government this week.
The change will see builders being able to develop new wastewater treatment facilities in collaboration with Uisce Éireann for smaller housing developments of up to 40 homes.
The system will operate under guidelines prescribed by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The changes will take effect from early next year.
Speaking during the meeting Cllr Kennedy says a private sector role in wastewater infrastructure could accelerate housing delivery in Wicklow.
“Something that I have mentioned many times in this chamber is the fact that there’s no capacity in the wastewater treatment plant in Aughrim. And there have been no houses built there for maybe 16 years now and we do have a waiting list in Aughrim for housing.
“I had a meeting with Irish Water recently specifically about Aughrim, I did ask them about the use of package treatment plants, and they did indicate to me that they do hope to lodge an application for a new wastewater treatment plant over the next year or 14 months to the council for that.
“I did ask them can we use, or will they allow the use of package treatment plants if a developer was prepared to put one in, subject to complying with all environmental regulations and suitably sized.”
“The answer was if a developer was prepared to put in a package treatment plant, they will accept that provided it meets all the legislation and criteria.” he added.
In response Wicklow County Council chief executive Emer O’Gorman said they would keep the matter under review.
“We'll have to look at it. Any move would need to be acceptable to Uisce Eireann, because we would consult with them when we're looking at these applications.”
Separately, Wicklow TD Edward Timmins believes there are circumstances where the expansion of water infrastructure needs to be addressed by the private sector.
“Currently the private sector is developing a water services network infrastructure to connect to the Uisce Éireann network and establish temporary wastewater treatment infrastructure in certain circumstances, but we need to expand the possible role of the private sector.”
“Under these current rules developers have to wait for Uisce Éireann to put wastewater infrastructure in place, which can seriously delay getting housing delivered in Wicklow.
“These new proposals mean the water utility will have responsibility for securing compliance with wastewater discharge regulations and will take ownership of the infrastructure for its future operation and maintenance.”
Deputy Timmins says efforts will be made to ensure information to planning authorities for wastewater treatment for smaller scale multi-unit housing developments is clear to both planners and developers.
“Uisce Éireann will develop a partnership approach with private developers. It will sign-off on all designs, installation works, and connections prior to commissioning and transfer.” he added.