More investment is needed to progress wastewater treatment systems so houses can be built in rural Kerry.
That’s the message from the Listowel Municipal District.
Independent councillor Liam Speedy Nolan tabled a motion on the issue at the recent MD meeting.
Cllr Liam Speedy Nolan asked the council to write to Uisce Éireann asking it to outline what plans there are for wastewater treatment systems in Ballyduff, Moyvane and Abbeydorney.
He told the meeting that at the moment, people can’t get planning inside the speed limits because these areas are at capacity.
Cllr Nolan says these three areas have serious potential and referenced the housing crisis, adding he’s aware of potential sites that people could build on if they were allowed to.
Fine Gael councillor Michael Foley seconded the motion and stated this is a national issue, adding that if the Government is serious about trying to get people into towns and villages, then they need to give increased investment for wastewater treatment plants.
Listowel MD manager, John Kennelly told the meeting that this is an issue the council has previously raised with Uisce Éireann.
He said it relates to the small towns and villages support programme and there are 26 settlements in Kerry included in this programme; Mr Kennelly stated only two or three settlements are in a cycle to advance delivery.
He said they’ve previously advised Uisce Éireann that a step-change in investment is required, and stated it’s fair to say it’s a significant inhibitor to the development of housing in those settlements.
Mr Kennelly said it would be timely for councillors to write to the relevant minister and highlight their support for significant increases in investment for the small towns and villages programme.
