Anger in West Waterford as permission for 20 homes refused due to water capacity concerns

Local representatives in West Waterford have said they are "angry and frustrated" by a decision to refuse planning permission for 20 homes in Lismore.

Permission was refused at the end of May for the development, with the planning authority citing water and drainage capacity issues.

Waterford TD Conor D. McGuinness has said the refusal highlights the consequences of the Government's failure to invest in core infrastructure in rural towns and villages.

“This is a clear and deeply frustrating example of how rural housing is being blocked because the infrastructure simply isn’t there. 

"The local authority’s hands are tied – they can’t approve housing if Irish Water can’t guarantee connections. That failure lies with the Government.

"They’ve neglected water infrastructure for years, and now it’s directly undermining housing supply,” said Deputy McGuinness.  

The development consisted of the construction of 20 residential units including, eight one-bedroom own-door apartments, eight two-bedroom own-door apartments, and a terrace and four two-storey, three-bedroom houses.

It also included 29 car parking spaces and 22 long-term and six visitor bicycle spaces.

Councillor Donnchadh Mulcahy called the refusal "a blow for West Waterford."

“We need more homes in towns like Lismore. We need them for working people, for older residents, and for young families who want to stay in their own community. 

"Developments like this are sensible and needed – but they can’t proceed without water infrastructure. It’s a basic requirement.” 

“The housing crisis isn’t confined to cities. Our rural towns are being hollowed out. 

"Families can’t build. Builders can’t deliver. And all the while, the Government stands by and lets Irish Water block progress due to capacity issues that could have been solved years ago,” said Cllr Mulcahy.

Deputy McGuinness pointed out that the decision suggests that an adjacent site may also be at risk.

“There is also an adjacent site with plans for a further 16 family homes – most likely semi-detached houses – and that’s now in serious jeopardy too.

"That’s 36 potential homes for Lismore, blocked because of Government inaction and negligence. 

"I raised the lack of action on rural housing with the Taoiseach on the floor of the Dáil this week and have met with GAA President Jarlath Burns to discuss the urgent need for a solution for all rural communities,” said Deputy McGuinness.

He reiterated his call for action from the Government: “We need a multi-annual investment programme in rural water infrastructure, a rural housing strategy that includes small towns and villages, and a joined-up approach that actually delivers homes where they are needed. 

"Without that, we’ll keep seeing cases like this – and it’s communities like Lismore that will pay the price.”