Statement on Kilkee Wastewater Treatment Plant

Uisce Éireann welcomes the decision by the High Court to uphold the grant of planning permission for Kilkee Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the related judgement refusing leave to appeal that decision to the Court of Appeal. This is a vital project to end the long-standing discharge of raw sewage into Intrinsic Bay and provide the town with modern wastewater infrastructure for the future. 

The project will help protect water quality and the local marine environment while supporting future residential, economic and tourism development in Kilkee. It will also bring an end to one of the last few remaining untreated wastewater discharges in the country.

We recognise that there are differing views in relation to the project, and we look forward to engaging openly, respectfully and constructively with local residents, community groups, elected representatives and other stakeholders to progress the project to the next stage. 

This is an essential infrastructure project that has been subject to detailed technical, environmental, and planning assessments and has received the necessary approvals through the appropriate statutory processes. Our focus is on engaging respectfully with all perspectives and we are committed to maintaining open lines of communication with the local community.

Kilkee remains one the few locations nationally where wastewater is discharged without any treatment. This project represents an opportunity to protect and enhance the local marine environment while supporting the long-term sustainability of the area for residents, businesses and visitors alike.