Irish Water responds to Laois 'monster' criticism over limited public sewerage

Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) has responded to criticism by Laois councillors that it is preventing growth of towns and villages outside of Portlaoise.

Laois County Council local representatives complained at their recent meeting that the company was "a monster" which didn't respond to them, and that towns including Mountmellick are unable to grow due to inadequate sewerage systems.

In a detailed reply, the company lists its current and future plans for Laois.  

"In Laois, Uisce Éireann has invested in wastewater infrastructure in Castletown and Portlaoise, which has improved water quality while supporting housing and economic development in these areas. Works under the national Inlet Works, Storm, and Sludge Programme have also been completed. In addition, plans are progressing for the Portlaoise WwTP and Ballyroan WwTP.

"Assessments are underway or planned for Ballinakill WwTP, Borris-in-Ossory WwTP, Coolanagh WwTP, Kileen WwTP, Mountmellick WwTP, Portarlington WwTP to identify the nature of the pressures and appropriate solutions such as upgrades to the wastewater treatment plants. Assessments are being completed on an on-going basis up to end 2027, after which suitable projects will follow subject to funding and statutory consents.

"Uisce Éireann is currently undertaking Drainage Area Plans (DAPs) for Portlaoise, Mountmellick and Portarlington.  A Drainage Area Plan (DAP) is a four-stage study/process which covers hydraulic, environmental, structural, service and operational performance and risks within a drainage area.

"Stage 4 services for Portlaoise are set to conclude in 2025 and will include the development of improvement plans and intervention studies to address the network needs.

"Mountmellick and Portarlington DAPs are currently at Stage 2 which includes extensive network surveys and hydraulic model build and verification. Stage 4 for both is scheduled to conclude in 2029. Future schemes arising from the DAPs will follow subject to funding and statutory consents.

"Uisce Éireann has upgrade projects for a number of wastewater pumping station sites across Laois presently being assessed through various capital programmes (growth & development, environmental compliance, capital maintenance). These include; Bridge WwPS (Durrow), The Hermitage WwPS (Portlaoise), Borris Road WWPS (Portlaoise), Swimming Pool WwPS (Portarlington), Sweetview WwPS (Abbeyleix), Bellair WwPS (Clonaslee), Ballacollig WwPS (Mountmellick), The Vale WwPS (Graiguecullen).

The company also described the amount invested nationally in water and sewerage supplies in recent years.

"Uisce Éireann's investment in Ireland's wastewater infrastructure is benefiting communities around the country by supporting growth and development, enhancing water quality and protecting the environment. 2022 saw the highest annual investment in wastewater to date of over €450m as Uisce Éireann continues to make progress in priority areas such as locations where there is raw sewage entering the rivers, lakes and the sea, sites identified by the European Court of Justice under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and sites where urban wastewater is a significant pressure.

"The building, repair and upgrading of Ireland's wastewater treatment plants and sewer network will require a multi-billion-euro investment programme over many years. Uisce Éireann is focused on delivering the best possible service improvements while maximising return on investment.

"In addition to building new infrastructure where none existed previously, Uisce Éireann is also driving sustained improvement in existing wastewater treatment standards. Last year, 91% of Ireland's treatment plants were fully compliant with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. For those plants that are not currently achieving compliance, Uisce Éireann has a plan of action to address any deficiencies and bring them up to the appropriate standard as quickly as possible."

They say Laois County Council decides on who can switch from septic tanks to the public sewers.

"Wastewater collection needs for settlements without access to public wastewater services, or where there is a desire to remove properties from septic tanks and connect to the public system, is the responsibility of the Local Authority. UÉ will work with Local Authorities to agree any future proposals in this regard.  

"New connection enquiries for zoned lands are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Where there are network constraints, UÉ works with applicants to establish the upgrades required to facilitate connection."

The update came after councillors complained about a lack of residential zoned land in Laois, outside Portlaoise.