The High Court has upheld planning permission for a new wastewater treatment plant in Kilkee, Co Clare, in a decision welcomed by Uisce Éireann.
The court has also refused leave to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal. The utility says the project will bring an end to the long-standing discharge of raw sewage into Intrinsic Bay and provide the town with modern wastewater infrastructure.
Uisce Éireann says the project will help protect water quality and the local marine environment, while supporting future residential, economic and tourism development in Kilkee.
The seaside town is one of the few remaining locations in the country where wastewater is discharged without treatment.
Local residents have strongly opposed the proposed plant and raised funds to back a judicial review against the development earlier this year.
Campaigners said at the time that, while the judicial review had been unsuccessful, they remained determined to challenge the project.
Local residents have strongly opposed the proposed plant
Ellie Byrne, one of those involved in the campaign, said residents had been calling for a proper wastewater treatment plant for decades, but questioned whether the proposed facility located near the cliff walk was the right solution.
Campaigners have also raised concerns about the capacity of the proposed facility, arguing that the population of Kilkee can increase significantly during the summer months.
The planning history of the project has been lengthy.
Clare County Council refused planning permission for the facility in October 2024, after receiving almost 90 objections.
That decision was subsequently overturned following an appeal by Uisce Éireann to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Uisce Éireann says the project has undergone detailed technical, environmental and planning assessments and has received the necessary statutory approvals.
It says it recognises that there are differing views locally and will continue to engage with residents, community groups, elected representatives and other stakeholders as the project progresses.
The utility says its focus is on maintaining open lines of communication with the local community while moving the project to the next stage.
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