McNamara calls for new public consultation on Lahinch-Ennistymon wastewater treatment plant

Michael McNamara, Independent MEP from Clare, has written to Uisce Éireann’s  CEO Niall Gleeson expressing concern that local residents were not adequately informed about the company’s consultation in Lahinch, Co Clare in 2025, and that the consultation did not provide sufficient detail about the specific proposal now being developed.

Residents have raised concerns about the proposed site at Calluragh, the planned marine outfall at Cregg Beach, pipeline routes, environmental and marine impacts, and the proposed population capacity of approximately 9,300, a figure just under the required threshold for an Environmental Impact Assessment Report.

McNamara said the basis for the 9,300 figure must be made clear, particularly given its proximity to the 10,000 threshold.

“I would be very sceptical of that figure given that 10,000 is the threshold for secondary treatment and the requirement of an Environment Impact Assessment Report. It is remarkably similar to the figure that Uisce Éireann provided for its proposed treatment plant in Kilkee.”

McNamara said that, regardless of the merits of the proposed project, public confidence requires meaningful consultation before major decisions are made about the site, capacity and marine outfall.

He is calling on Uisce Éireann to undertake a new consultation which would include:

  • Proper advertising in local newspapers and through other appropriate channels;
  • Publication of relevant environmental, site-selection and project information;
  • Full details of the proposed plant, capacity, pipelines and marine outfall;
  • Information on alternatives that have been considered;
  • Adequate time for residents, landowners, businesses and community organisations to make submissions;
  • A public information meeting; and
  • Publication of a report setting out the submissions received and explaining how they were considered.

McNamara is also seeking details from Uisce Éireann on the 2025 consultation, including how it was advertised, how many submissions were received, what information was provided to participants and what conclusions were drawn.