Concern raised over 'zero capacity' for future development in Bunmahon area of County Waterford

Independent County Waterford Councillor, Declan Clune, expressed concern over people going to the expense of getting architects and buying sites, only to find after getting planning permission, that they can’t get water connections.

Highlighting the Bunmahon area in particular, he raised the matter at a meeting of Comeragh Municipal District “as a follow-on” from a discussion that took place at a previous local authority meeting.

Cllr Clune said he and Councillors Seanie Power and Liam Brazil attended a recent workshop with Irish Water at which it was confirmed “there is zero capacity” in Bunmahon for any future development.

“So, no waste water and no freshwater capacity and they are saying it could be several years, so it certainly won’t be in the short-term,” said Cllr Clune.

“There will be no development in Bunmahon over the next few years,” he added.

He also pointed out that a recent suggestion was made that the local authority needs to ensure that applicants can access water connections before they are granted planning permission.

Cllr Clune said he had a planning approval document in front of him, from February 13, which was granted permission, but he then referenced the Irish Water pre-connection requirement and said it clearly stated that the existing water treatment plant servicing the village is overloaded and an upgraded wastewater treatment plant would be required to cater for the propose connection.

Quoting the requirements, Cllr Clune then said: “Irish Water has no plans for the upgrade of Bunmahon.” “So, essentially, the pre-connection enquiry goes in the file [and] approval was given, even though there could be no connection to the water system,” he said.

“The question I’m asking is, can we not advise people there is no point buying a site in Bunmahon, there is no point going to the expense of getting architects and planners etc., whatever else is required – which can be an incredible cost – to develop a site even for personal use,” he added.

“Can we not do something in advance to advise people?” Cllr Clune said it appeared that permission was given “even though there can be no connection available to any water services”.

“There is just a bit of confusion around that and I wonder could we get it cleared up please?” he asked.

In response, Senior Planner with the local authority, Aisling O’Sullivan said that while she didn’t know the specifics of the case Cllr Clune was referring to she advised everybody to attend a pre-planning meeting.

“We do a lot of pre-planning meetings and the wait is about one to two weeks at the moment,” she said.

“I would advise anybody who is thinking of building, large or small, to come in for a pre-planning meeting,” she added.

She said it’s particularly important where there “is a history of constraints like there is in Bunmahon”.

“As part of the planning application, if someone is connecting to the public services, we do require a connection letter from Irish Water saying that the connection is deemed feasible,” she said.

Ms O’Sullivan said she would look into the particular case referred to by Cllr Clune and then, referring to the councillor’s earlier point said: “That does determine the outcome of the application because you are correct, if there is no feasible way of connecting into the services of serving the site then there is no point in granting a permission.” She then reiterated the point that “in general” everyone should attend a pre-planning meeting to discuss those types of issues in advance.