*The Kilkee Cliff Walk.
UISCE Éireann’s plans to eliminate the discharge of untreated waste-water into the Atlantic Ocean off one of the west of Ireland’s most popular beaches at Kilkee have received a major boost.
This follows An Bord Pleanála granting planning permission for Uisce Eireann’s waste water treatment plant scheme for the seaside resort and the grant overturns Clare County Council comprehensively rejecting Uisce Eireann’s planning application for the waste-water treatment plant for the seaside resort last October.
Locals have campaigned for many years for proper waste water treatment facilities for Kilkee but over 80 objections were lodged against the proposed scheme for Dunlicky Road with locals angry over the proposed location and that Uisce Éireann was proposing only primary treatment of waste water.
As part of the wave of opposition against the proposal, Kilkee resident, Sheila Lardner branded the WWTP as a “monstrosity”.
One of those to object, Michael Duffy on behalf of the Dunlicky Road Residents Group in Kilkee described the proposal as “a disgraceful waste of scarce public resources” and will be an “open wound and eye-sore” on the local landscape.
In its grant of permission, An Bord Pleanála dismissed the recommendation of its own inspector to refuse planning permission.
Philip Davis concluded that the scheme will have a substantially positive impact on water quality at Kilkee.
However, Mr Davis recommended a refusal as the proposal by way of its location at a point highly visible from the Dunlicky Road would have an adverse effect on the visual amenities of the area, the character of the receiving landscape, and the views from the designated scenic route.
However, the appeals board stated that it did not share the view of its Inspector given that the extensive nature of the site and scale of the works would give rise to an adverse effect on the visual amenities of the area, the character of the receiving landscape, or the views from the designated scenic route at Dunlicky Road.
The appeals board stated that it was satisfied that the development would not seriously injure the visual or residential amenities of the area or negatively impact on the landscape character or the tourism resource of the Kilkee.
A spokesman for Uisce Eireann said on Monday that it welcomed An Bord Pleanála’s decision. “This decision will allow for the development of critical infrastructure which will support sustainable growth and development, enhance the environment, and end unscreened raw sewage discharges into Intrinsic Bay, west of Kilkee.
He added, “This project is part of Uisce Éireann’s commitment to ending the unacceptable practice of discharging raw sewage to coastal waters around Ireland”
“To date over 85% of these raw sewage discharges across the country have now been eliminated (this is the equivalent of 128,000 people). In Co Clare, projects to end raw sewage discharges have been completed in Clarecastle, Kilrush and Liscannor, with a further project at construction stage in Ballyvaughan. The Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the scheme has been published. Next steps will include (among others) awaiting successful outcome of the CPO process which would allow for acquisition of land/wayleaves/rights of way, and production of construction/compliance documentation”.
He said that final timelines for the delivery of the project will be confirmed following this.
