Uisce Éireann launches public consultation on the Draft Cork Wastewater Strategy

Uisce Éireann has today published the Draft Cork Wastewater Strategy, alongside the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement (NIS), for an eight week public consultation running from 22 January to 19 March 2026.

The economic success of the Cork Metropolitan Area (CMA) has resulted in substantial growth across Cork City and surrounding towns. The National Planning Framework 2040 anticipates that Cork will become the fastest growing city region in Ireland, with population increasing by 50–60% by 2040. This rapid growth is placing significant pressure on existing drainage and wastewater infrastructure, which must expand to meet increased demand for serviced land for housing, commercial activity, and industry.

The Draft Strategy sets out a long term plan for managing wastewater services across the Cork Metropolitan Area, assessing existing infrastructure and identifying the future investment required to support sustainable growth, environmental protection, and climate resilience through to 2030, 2055 and 2080.

The Cork Metropolitan Area includes 26 wastewater treatment plants, 193 pumping stations, 225 stormwater overflows and approximately 1,300 km of wastewater network. The Draft Strategy examines how this system is performing today and proposes a prioritised programme of upgrades, consolidation, and new infrastructure to ensure the region can meet future population, economic and environmental challenges.

Key elements of the draft Strategy include:

•    Decommissioning 16 smaller wastewater treatment plants, with flows redirected to larger, more efficient facilities.
•    Upgrades to nine wastewater treatment plants to increase capacity and improve treatment standards.
•    Network and wastewater drainage improvements to enhance operational performance and strengthen long term resilience.
•    Detailed environmental assessment to support biodiversity, protect water quality, and ensure full alignment with national and EU directives.

These recommendations follow extensive technical analysis, including wastewater modelling, environmental assessment, and multi criteria evaluation of potential options. Proposed projects will undergo further assessment in line with national investment governance requirements, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) where necessary.

Ted O’Reilly, Asset Planning Senior Manager (Wastewater), Uisce Éireann, said: “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. We are encouraging everyone with an interest in Cork’s future to review the documents and share their views during the consultation period.”

Conor Healy, CEO Cork Chamber, said “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 decisions made now will shape Cork’s future, ensuring the region can continue to attract investment, create jobs and support communities for decades to come.”

Have Your Say

Members of the public, community groups, elected representatives and stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the draft Strategy and associated environmental reports.

The consultation documents can be viewed and downloaded at our Draft Cork Wastewater Strategy page.

Submissions can be made until Thursday, 19 March 2026 via:

•    Online: consult.water.ie 
•    Email: CWS@water.ie 
•    Post: Cork Wastewater Strategy, Uisce Éireann, PO Box 860, South City Delivery Office, Cork City

Uisce Éireann will also host a webinar during the consultation period. Details and registration information will be available on the website.

All feedback received will be reviewed and considered as Uisce Éireann finalises the Cork Wastewater Strategy, to be published later in 2026 alongside the SEA Statement and AA.