Uisce Éireann launches eight-week consultation on Cork's wastewater future

A major draft strategy outlining how the Cork Metropolitan Area's wastewater infrastructure will be developed through to 2080 has been published today, with the public invited to have their say over the coming weeks.

Uisce Éireann has released the Draft Cork Wastewater Strategy alongside a Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement. The consultation runs from today, 22 January, until Thursday, 19 March 2026.

The strategy responds to significant growth pressures across Cork City and surrounding towns. The National Planning Framework 2040 projects Cork will become Ireland's fastest-growing city region, with population increasing by 50 to 60 per cent by 2040.

The Cork Metropolitan Area currently operates 26 wastewater treatment plants, 193 pumping stations, 225 stormwater overflows and approximately 1,300 kilometres of wastewater network.

Key proposals in the draft strategy include decommissioning 16 smaller wastewater treatment plants, with flows redirected to larger, more efficient facilities. Nine plants are earmarked for capacity upgrades, including Carrigrennan, which would increase to a design capacity of 558,000 population equivalent by 2080.

A new Ballincollig wastewater treatment plant is proposed to replace the existing facility, with a final capacity of 72,000 population equivalent.

Plants proposed for decommissioning include those at Blarney, Inniscarra, Whitechurch, Knockraha, Watergrasshill and several others across the region. Wastewater from these facilities would be redirected to larger plants.

Ted O'Reilly, Asset Planning Senior Manager (Wastewater) at Uisce Éireann:

"This draft Strategy represents a major step forward in planning for the future of wastewater services in the Cork Metropolitan Area. By taking a long-term, evidence-based approach, we can ensure the region has the capacity and resilience it needs to support growing communities, protect the environment, and meet our regulatory obligations."

Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber:

"Modern and resilient wastewater infrastructure is essential to the growth ambitions of the Cork Metropolitan Area. The publication of this draft strategy by Uisce Éireann is a welcome next step on that journey, and I would encourage all stakeholders to engage in the consultation process."

The consultation documents can be viewed at www.water.ie/cws.

Submissions can be made until Thursday, 19 March 2026 via the online portal at consult.water.ie, by email to CWS@water.ie, or by post to Cork Wastewater Strategy, Uisce Éireann, PO Box 860, South City Delivery Office, Cork City.