*Photo from @/surfrider_west_coast_ireland on Instagram
A PETITION raising concerns about proposed site investigation surveys at Cregg Beach has attracted over one thousand signatures, with campaigners urging the public to make submissions before next week’s deadline.
The campaign, led by the West Coast of Ireland Chapter of the Surfrider Europe Foundation, relates to surveys proposed by Uisce Éireann as part of plans for a new wastewater treatment plant serving Lahinch and Ennistymon.
The “Help Save the Bay in Lahinch” petition is available to sign on Change.org. The group is also encouraging people to submit their own observations to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) before 5.30pm on Monday, October 26.
Uisce Éireann has applied for a Maritime Usage Licence to carry out temporary site investigation surveys in Liscannor Bay and the Inagh River. The work is intended to help assess ground and seabed conditions and inform plans for a wastewater treatment plant and associated outfall at Cregg Beach.
The proposed surveys include underwater mapping using sonar, seabed and sediment sampling, up to 20 boreholes in the survey area and up to four trial pits at Cregg Beach.
The surveys are provisionally scheduled for between late 2026 and early 2027, with Uisce Éireann seeking a licence lasting up to 24 months.
The Surfrider group has raised concerns about the possible impact of the work on marine wildlife, public access and local surf breaks.
It argues that underwater acoustic surveys could disturb basking sharks, otters, seals and dolphins, while work on the beach and seabed could affect the natural features that contribute to surfing conditions in the bay.
The campaign has also questioned whether sufficient protections would be in place for human health and called for tertiary wastewater treatment.
The group says it supports a new wastewater treatment plant for Lahinch and Ennistymon, but wants the project to proceed with appropriate consideration for the environment and local community.
Uisce Éireann’s application describes the proposed treatment facility as having a design capacity of approximately 9,300 population equivalent and providing at least secondary treatment.
The current licence application is for temporary survey work, not construction of the permanent infrastructure. MARA separately part-granted, subject to conditions, a Maritime Area Consent for the proposed outfall pipeline and a rising-main crossing of the Inagh River on July 10, 2026. This consent is distinct from planning permission for the wider project. Uisce Éireann says the Environmental Impact Assessment Report will accompany the planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
The petition follows concerns previously raised by local councillors and landowners about communication surrounding the proposed treatment plant location and associated infrastructure.
At the September meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, councillors agreed to formally write to Uisce Éireann requesting a further non-statutory public consultation before any further significant steps or decisions were taken on the project.
Submissions can be emailed to licence@mara.gov.ie or sent by post to MARA, quoting application reference MUL260006. They must be received by 5.30pm on Monday, October 26.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
