Troy urges rural communities to make wastewater services submissions

Local Fianna Fáil Minister of State Robert Troy is encouraging people, community groups, businesses and other stakeholders across rural Westmeath to make submissions on the future of wastewater services in small towns and villages.

Uisce Éireann has launched a public consultation on the Small Wastewater Treatment Plants National Plan, ‘Supporting Communities while Protecting our Natural Environment’, which will help shape how wastewater services are planned and delivered in smaller communities into the future.

The consultation is particularly important for rural communities, where the availability and capacity of wastewater infrastructure can have a significant impact on housing, business development, population growth and the ability of towns and villages to develop sustainably.

“I would strongly encourage people across Westmeath, particularly those living in our rural towns and villages, to take this opportunity to have their say.

“Local people know the challenges facing their communities better than anyone. They know where wastewater capacity is under pressure, where infrastructure needs investment and how limitations in wastewater services can affect housing, businesses and future development.

“This consultation provides an opportunity for those local experiences to be heard as Uisce Éireann develops a national plan for small wastewater treatment plants.

“We need to ensure that investment in wastewater infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of our rural communities. If we want to see our towns and villages grow, attract families, support businesses and provide much-needed housing, appropriate infrastructure must be in place.

“I would encourage local residents, community organisations, businesses and elected representatives to make a submission and highlight the specific challenges and opportunities in their own area," Deputy Troy said.

The plan will focus on wastewater treatment plants serving communities of fewer than 1,000 population, approximately the equivalent of 350 homes.

The consultation will help inform the development of a draft national framework, which will subsequently be subject to further consultation before the final plan is adopted.

Submissions can be made to Uisce Éireann until 5pm on October 20.

The consultation documents and details on how to make a submission are available at www.water.ie/smallcommunitiesww.

Submissions can also be made by email to smallcommunitiesww@water.ie.