HSE and Uisce Eireann question aspects of proposed Offaly water bottling facility

A proposal to set up a water bottling facility in Clara has attracted submissions from the Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District, Uisce Eireann and the HSE.

The application in the name of Clara Water Limited will involve a partial change of use from the existing Leisure Centre at Clashawaun, Clara.

The source for the spring water is derived from an area of limestone deposits. The objective is to construct a small manually operated plant to bottle ''high end'' spring water for various sectors of the current retail market.

Local Councillor Frank Moran has asked Offaly County Council to look favourably on the application. However, both Uisce Eireann and the HSE have posed questions regarding the development.

Uisce Eireann has an abstraction point 2km away from the proposed site. It states, ''it is not clear from the documentation submitted the volume of water to be abstracted and whether this could in turn impact Uisce Eireann's water sources.'' The applicant is asked to engage with Uisce Eireann to clarify this prior to commencement of the development. It also states, ''Uisce Eireann does not permit build over of its assets.'' If Clara Water Limited intends to build over or divert existing water or wastewater services the company is to receive written confirmation of the feasibility of diversions from Uisce Eireann before any work commences.

The National Environmental Health Service of the HSE says a water sampling regime should be in place to ensure the effectiveness of any proposed water treatment system. The chemical and microbiological water analysis should ensure the water meets the requirements and criteria for spring waters and other waters.

Clara Water Limited is a new start up company. The intention is to bottle a limited range of products bottled in glass, with a metal cap. The current proposal is for two sizes, either a 750/1000 bottle aimed at the hospitality trade. With both carbonated and still variants, and a 50 ml bottle produced as a mixer specifically for whiskey this would be still water only.

The proposed development will include a raw materials store, finished products store, packing and unpacking areas, clean room/bottling area, small laboratory, various office areas and welfare facilities together with all associated site development works.

Permission is also sought for the construction of a new pump house building and all associated pumping equipment to replace the existing temporary demountable pump house structure.

The assumption is that the plant will operate a five hour day leaving one hour for start and finish procedures, one hour for breaks with two to three operators.

A decision by Offaly County Council is due on February 8.