Fears sewage issues could bring Edenderry construction to a standstill

Fear has been expressed for the future of construction in Edenderry following revelations of sewage capacity issues in the town in recent weeks.

A number of public representatives and those within the construction and business community have said future developments beyond those current planning applications are being hindered by the limitations of the wastewater treatment plant in Edenderry.

"For the foreseeable future Edenderry has been prevented from growing in any meaningful way," Christine Traynor, chairperson of Edenderry Chamber of Commerce and Fianna Fáil Local Election candidate explained. 

"The Local Area Plan underpins almost every strategic development and it has come to light that the Edenderry Local Area Plan adopted by the Municipal District in March 2018 has been grossly underestimated in terms of population and provision of housing," Christine explained. 

The plan allows for an increase in population of 358 people over the lifetime of the plan up to 2023 and allows for planning for housing units of 128 for the lifetime of the plan.

"These calculations are based on the National Framework projections in population, and it seems that a bigger is better policy is being driven by Government. Unfortunately, these numbers were not addressed and now we are left in a situation that underinvestment will be the theme going into the next five years," Christine said.
 
As chairperson of the chamber of commerce, Christine has said that she and the committee have been working with Offaly County Council to address the issue that Irish Water will not be investing in improvement works in Edenderry for at least three years.

"The chamber is solution-focused and we have excellent people working in the background coming up with the ideas for a temporary solution to allow development continue," Christine said.

One of these ideas is to go back and check the capacity numbers. “Occasionally it can happen that the testing is wrong, it is just the nature of these things, sometimes we need to check the numbers to prove that they are correct, it’s the cheapest and easiest solution and should be done first," she suggested.

“It emerged late last week that the County Council have made representations to Irish Water about the expansion of the Waste Water Treatment Plant in Edenderry, this is a good thing, but it may be a little too late,” continued Christine.

"Many developers will be pleased to hear that these matters are being pursued at the highest levels in Irish Water. Unfortunately, even if a project was to be approved it will take a minimum of three years to complete."

“After checking the capacity numbers, there are other temporary solutions available to increase capacity, and as long as the
council are willing to look at these, business and building homes can continue."

"The effect of this is far-reaching. We are in a housing crisis, there are people in our area that are homeless, on waiting lists, there is no homes to rent and simply not enough is being done at national level to allow local authorities to build homes,” concluded Christine.

Speaking to the Offaly Express, Cllr Noel Cribbin said he was "taken aback" by the recent news of sewage capacity issues which could stall the building of much-needed houses, both private and local authority-supplied in Edenderry.

"This issue has never come before councillors at local or council level as we were informed that the present system has a capacity for a population in Edenderry of 9,500," Cllr Cribbin commented.

He explained: "From inquiries I have made, it seems that although the present population of Edenderry is around 8,000. It’s vitally important for the town that new builds can proceed, along with up to 250 houses ready to start, and that half of the 200 families on the housing list can attain their own homes."

"It’s also vitally that our biggest employers Rosderra are not confined by these capacity issues and that this problem does not impact on the company in a negative way and that this issue is resolved as soon as possible."

"Irish Water now run the plant in Edenderry and it is totally Independent of Offaly County Council, however, I have spoken to officials and to Marcella Corcoran Kennedy TD about the issue and the need for capacity to be found so that the 250 new builds can proceed and they are confident that the issue can be addressed for now but that the need to upgrade and acquire the funding to do so is now a top priority."

"As a result of our concerns a high level meeting took place between Offaly County Council and Irish Water and on foot of the outcome of that meeting and the scale of the capacity problems, both Marcella and I will start the process of planning and funding required to upgrade the sewage system in Edenderry into the future," Cllr Cribbin concluded.

In a statement to the Offaly Express, Irish Water said: "Irish Water is working with local authorities to ensure that we can support housing policy and national planning frameworks."