Water plan will end the discharge of raw sewage

IRISH Water is in the process of acquiring land for a new sewerage scheme for Castletownshend to eliminate the raw sewage flowing into the sea from the pretty harbour village.

As part of the public consultation process, Irish Water has placed adverts in this week’s Southern Star outlining its decision to compulsorily acquire the ground needed to complete the project.

The news has been welcomed by locals who had previously expressed concern about the coastal waters being ‘unfit for bathing.’

In 2018, Irish Water was taken to court by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because there was raw sewage flowing into the sea at Castletownshend.

This week, Irish Water confirmed that the proposed project will ‘end the discharge of the equivalent of 400 wheelie bins of untreated wastewater being discharged into Castlehaven Harbour each day from Castletownshend.’

The project – in partnership with Cork County Council – will include the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant that will serve a population equivalent of approximately 530, as well as new sewers, rising mains, and a below-ground pumping station.

Locals told The Southern Star that a new sewerage scheme will enhance the amenity value of the village and give it a new lease of life as a leisure and maritime destination.

While other projects went ahead in recent years, the situation in Castletownshend continued to deteriorate to the point that excrement could be seen floating in the water. 

There is a sign on the pier warning people that the water is not suitable for bathing and it will remain in place until the project is finished.

A spokesperson for Irish Water confirmed that the projected date for the completion of the project is 2021.

A dedicated email address has been set up for householders, businesses and other stakeholders at [email protected]