Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Murphy O'Mahony for raising this issue. I am familiar with the area of west Cork and have spent time there over the years, but after the Deputy's portrayal I will have to return to visit it again. The Deputy could have a job in the tourism sector as well, aside from being a Teachta Dála.

However, she has raised an important issue and I thank her for providing me with the opportunity to outline the issues surrounding the matter of raw sewage being pumped into the harbour at Castletownbere and Castletownshend by Irish Water. The urban wastewater treatment directive mandates member states to collect and treat urban wastewater in towns and cities to protect public health and avoid pollution of rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Member states had until the end of 2000 to ensure appropriate treatment for large areas of population above 15,000 and until the end of December 2005 for areas with a population above 2,000 which discharge to freshwaters and estuaries.

Since 1 January 2014 Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local level. Irish Water as a single national public utility is taking a strategic, nationwide approach to asset planning and investment, and meeting customer requirements. Irish Water is undertaking significant investment in urban wastewater collection and treatment over the period to 2021 and plans to deliver 255 wastewater treatment projects in urban areas, achieving water quality improvements and compliance with the requirements of the urban wastewater treatment directive. The details of these works are set out in the river basin management plan for Ireland for 2018 to 2021, which the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, published on 17 April 2018. The priority objective for this river basin planning cycle is to secure compliance with the urban wastewater treatment directive and to contribute to the improvement and protection of waters in keeping with the water quality objectives established in the plan.

Castletownbere and Castletownshend are among 38 towns and villages nationwide where untreated sewage is currently discharged to receiving waters, either directly from sewer network outfalls or via septic holding tanks where the level of treatment provided is inadequate. In 2015, Irish Water confirmed that additional wastewater treatment will be provided at five locations in Cork, including Castletownbere and Castletownshend. Both of these urban areas have been identified in the river basin management plan as areas where works will be undertaken during the period of the plan. I am informed by Irish Water that the Castletownbere sewerage scheme will end the discharge of untreated wastewater into Bantry Bay. Irish Water's plan includes the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant as well as the associated sewer network and infrastructure. I am also informed that Irish Water will submit its planning application to Cork County Council later this year. Subject to statutory approvals, construction work on this project will commence in 2020 and be completed in 2021. Irish Water undertook a public information evening recently in Castletownbere on this project.

The Castletownshend sewerage scheme is needed to stop untreated wastewater being discharged directly into Castlehaven harbour. I am informed that Irish Water will submit its planning application to Cork County Council this year or early in 2019. Subject to statutory approvals, construction work on this necessary project will also commence in 2020 and be completed in 2021.

I am sure Irish Water will do this as quickly as it can but, as the Deputy knows, projects such as these must go through the planning system and public consultation. Irish Water is doing that. These projects were needed many years ago and should have been provided long before now, including by other Governments. However, Irish Water is taking action now and is going through the proper channels to do it. Money has been allocated, planning permission will be required and work will commence in 2020. It is important that will happen. I am glad we are ensuring these 38 areas of high priority are being rectified, and rightly so.

See this speech in context