Planning permission refused for controversial west Clare water treatment plant

Clare County Council have refused planning permission for a wastewater treatment plant proposed by Uisce Eireann for the west Clare town of Kilkee.

A planning application was lodged in January this year, by the state body to build a pumping station and wastewater treatment plant on two separate sites in the townlands of Kilkee Lower and Foohagh, just outside the popular holiday spot.

However the local authority have refused permission for the plant to go ahead.

According to the ruling from senior planner Helen Quinn, the scheme would have" adverse impacts on the visual amenities of the area, the character of the receiving landscape, and the views available from the adjacent 'Scenic Route' and recreational routes which are valuable tourism assets for Kilkee".

The proposed site of the wastewater treatment plant is adjacent to parts of the popular scenic cliff walk along the Dunlicky road.

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The Council also refused planning permission after concluding that the plan, which proposed to only provide primary water treatment services, wouldn't be "adequate to appropriately manage the effluent loading" from the west Clare town, which sees massive population growth in the summer from holidaymakers.

The plan had received massive backlash from local residents, with over 70 third party submissions lodged with Clare County Council earlier this year.

Many objected to the proposed location for the treatment plant and its proximity to the Dunlicky road and bathing spots at the Pollock Holes, stating that such a development would spoil the natural beauty of the site and affect tourism in the area.

A submission by local resident Orla Costello stated that the development will “destroy the Cliff Walk and surrounding scenery/areas”.

The cliff walk on the Dunlicky road| PIC: Visit Clare

“The Cliff Walk is the main reason that Kilkee has such a strong tourism trade all year round,” Ms Costello’s submission read. 

“This will have a major impact on Kilkee and the trade of local businesses. I strongly object to this proposal, not just for tourism alone but for the locals of Kilkee.”

The Haugh family, owners of Stella Maris Hotel in Kilkee, wrote that they had “strong concerns” over the proposed location.

“If allowed to go ahead the WWTP will be clearly visible from various points along the cliff walk whose visual appeal is integral to Kilkee’s status as a tourist destination and plays a pivotal role in the town’s economic well-being and sustainability,” their submission stated.  

A number of local councillors also lodged submissions expressing concern over the site location, including Cllr Rita McInerney who called for “a full public participation consultation on this project”.

Uisce Eireann have stated they do not comment on the contents of submissions while the planning application is live.

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