Locals are left out of Uisce Eireann project in Waterford's Clonea-Power
'The proposal serves only part of the village, while untreated and inadequately treated wastewater from the remainder of the village continues to go into the river Clodiagh.'
Locals to the village of Clonea-Power have expressed concern over inadequacies contained within Uisce Eireann's plans for a wastewater treatment plant in the village.
Residents say that that the new plant will not service a large portion of the village or the local public house.
Recently, Uisce Eireann submitted a 10-year planning application for the development of a constructed wastewater treatment plant in the village.
A constructed wetland is a type of sustainable wastewater treatment system designed to look and function as a natural wetland does.
The plans for the village involve the development of the new plant with a stormwater management system, septic tank, four constructed wetland ponds and new access roads.
The existing Clonea Power treatment plant will be decommissioned. Uisce Eireann deem this existing plant as being "no longer fit for use", and its sludge storage is estimated to be at least 30 years old. The storm tank will be disconnected and filled with grout. The buried package plant will be disconnected and kept buried. The inlet, stormwater overflow, and outlet pipework will all be disconnected and capped.
The proposed new plant will be located on a greenfield site along the R678. The area surrounding the site contains a mix of uses, including residential housing and agricultural.
The proposed plant will be fed by a new wastewater pumping station, located in the existing car park across from SS Cuan and Broghan Church.
One of the main drivers of the project, according to reports, is to "allow for the future population increase in the area anticipated for the 30-year design".
Two primary issues have arisen from the submitted planning application: The lower portion of the village not being serviced by the plant, and the potential odour from the plant that could impact nearby houses.
Representing the area, Cllr Seanie Power told the Waterford News & Star that he welcomes the much-needed upgrade, but says it must be done right.
He said he is “very concerned” for residents living in the area who may be subject to odours from the plant and has urged Uisce Eireann to revisit the plans to ensure the entire village is included.
“The biggest concern I'd have is that they are not taking in the whole village. It doesn’t make sense,” he said.
“I’m also really concerned for the people living in the area with the smell.”
In his written submission to the planning department, Cllr Power said: “While I welcome the upgrade of wastewater treatment plant at Clonea-Power, I would like to support the residents living within close proximity of wetlands as they are concerned about the smell that may arise from the treatment plant and the impact this will have on their daily living and outdoor use.”
He further wrote: “The application is not catering for the whole village as the lower end of the village appears to have been omitted.
“A significant concern with the proposed development is that it does not appear to provide for the connection of all existing houses within the village and as a result untreated sewage may continue to be discharged into the local river.
“The continued discharge of sewage into the river poses an ongoing risk to water quality, local ecosystems and public health.”
Local publican, John Clancy of Clancy’s Bar, said in his own submission to the Council that he has “serious concerns” with the project.
“The proposal serves only part of the village, while untreated and inadequately treated wastewater from the remainder of the village continues to go into the river Clodiagh.
“It is important that it delivers a complete and effective solution for the entire village and not a partial upgrade that fails to resolve the issue.”
Fifteen additional submissions have been made by concerned locals in the area.
The submissions raise concerns about odour, pollution, and the use of the church car park.
One submission reads: “We feel severely let down and feel as though we are being forgotten about.”
The local authority is due to make a decision on the application by May 14.
