THE upgrade of Dunmanway’s waste water treatment plant means that up to 50 houses can be built, with plans already lodged for 24 units.

Uisce Éireann has started minor works at the plant which will mark a much-needed first step towards expanding capacity paving the way for residential and commercial development.

Cahalane Brothers Ltd, a Dunmanway-based  building contractors, has applied for planning permission to complete a housing development at Ros Geal.

They had hoped to build 24 more houses in the estate in 2020 but their application was rejected because of insufficient water treatment capacity.

Following Uisce Éireann’s indication that Dunmanway’s waste water treatment capacity will be expanded, the company has resubmitted the application.

Company director Donal Cahalane said that the proposed scheme would ‘deliver much needed houses in Dunmanway’.

Subject to planning he hopes that the houses could be built in tandem with the upgrade works, so that the project could be delivered as soon as possible.

He said  the development has been delayed for long enough.

‘In the midst of a housing crisis, we shouldn’t be waiting,’ he said.

The Dunmanway Waste Water Treatment Plant project is currently at stage one, with stage two due to start later this year.

Cork County Council‘s planning department and Uisce Éireann are in discussions to approve the capacity for new units following the completion of the minor works.

Senator Noel O’Donovan (FG) said this is a ‘significant step forward for Dunmanway’, adding: ‘This is not the matter resolved; however, it demonstrates that progress is possible on this issue despite years of setbacks, and Dunmanway can start to grow again.’

He said he will continue to engage with Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council to ensure the works move forward.