One Week Left to Have Your Say on Cork's Wastewater Future

Residents and stakeholders across the Cork Metropolitan Area have just one week remaining to submit their views on Uisce Éireann's draft Cork Wastewater Strategy, with the public consultation closing on Thursday, 19 March 2026.

Launched in January, the draft strategy sets out a long-term plan for how wastewater will be collected and treated across the Cork Metropolitan Area, looking ahead to 2080. The plan aims to protect public health, safeguard the environment, and ensure the region has the capacity to support continued growth in housing, commercial development, and industry.

Ted O'Reilly, Asset Planning Senior Manager with Uisce Éireann, said:

"This strategy is about planning for Cork's future – for the people who live and work here. This is a significant, long-term plan and the first-time wastewater needs have been examined at this scale. By looking ahead to 2080, Uisce Éireann is proactively identifying the needs of the Cork Metropolitan Area, and its communities and we welcome views and submissions from all interested stakeholders.

This plan comes at a critical juncture; the Cork Metropolitan Area has experienced significant growth in recent years, and this is expected to continue. The National Planning Framework 2040 projects that Cork could see population growth of 50% to 60% by 2040. By taking a long-term, evidence-based approach, we can ensure the area has the capacity and resilience it needs to support growing communities and increased demand for new serviced land for housing, commercial developments, and industry."

The draft strategy recommends decommissioning 16 wastewater treatment plants, upgrading nine, and relocating one across the Cork Metropolitan Area. The study area covers the CMA along with the Cork Harbour and Cork Outer Harbour Water Framework Directive waterbodies.

As part of the consultation process, Uisce Éireann has engaged with environmental bodies, elected representatives, and public organisations, hosting both an in-person information event and a webinar to outline the proposals.

Key environmental reports, including a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Natura Impact Statement, have also been published alongside the draft strategy, and feedback is welcomed on all documents.

How to Make a Submission

Submissions can be made by 19 March 2026 through three channels: by email to CWS@water.ie, by post to Cork Wastewater Strategy, Uisce Éireann, PO Box 860, South City Delivery Office, Cork City, or online at consult.water.ie.

All documents are available to view and download at water.ie/CWS.

All feedback received will be reviewed and considered in the development of the final Cork Wastewater Strategy, which is expected to be published later in 2026.