Lack of sewage treatment capacity stalls new housing in Nenagh

Delays in upgrading the Nenagh Wastewater Treatment Plant has resulted in a stalling on a number of social housing projects in the town, Independent councillor Séamie Morris has stated.

Cllr Morris said he has obtained information by way of a Freedom of Information request which indicates that Uisce Éireann gave a commitment to upgrade the treatment plant on the Birr Road over two years ago.

He obtained minutes of a meeting between officials of the water company and Tipperary County Council held in January 2021 indicating that there was a commitment given by Uisce Éireann to begin the upgrade works at the end of 2022.

“It’s 2025 and still the works have not started,” said Cllr Morris.

“It’s time to get tough with Irish Water. I’ve asked them to explain the delay, which has stopped our social housing programme.”

Cllr Morris said the deficiencies in the current plant had led to moves by Uisce Éireann to put a hold on the development of housing schemes earmarked for a number of areas of the town, including Gortlandroe, Millersbrook, New Line Road, the Rialto site and in William Street.

Uisce Éireann has applied to Tipperary County Council to upgrade the treatment plant. A decision is expected in the current month.

Cllr Morris has already stated that the works may not be completed until 2028, raising concern that new housing development will not proceed until the lack of capacity in the current plant is increased.

The existing plant is designed to cater for a population of 12,000. Uisce Éireann is proposing to increase the capacity substantially to cater for a population of 22,000.