After 27 years of frustration, Uisce Éireann is finally being held accountable following a case brought by the EPA. The organisation was found guilty on both charges for breaches of its wastewater licence at Shannonvale Park, Clonakilty yesterday and fined €4,000. This is a major step forward. It recognises the environmental damages done to Shannonvale Park and to the River Argideen to Clonakilty, a vital local waterway. It also highlights the need to protect water quality near Jones' Bridge, which supplies drinking water to thousands across west Cork.

If this were a farmer, would the EPA wait 27 years while raw sewage leaked into the gardens and local rivers in Shannonvale, Clonakilty? No, the farmer would have been fined and put out of business within weeks. Why is the EPA not holding Uisce Éireann accountable in Dunmanway, Rosscarbery, Ballydehob and Goleen where raw sewage is pouring into the rivers? Now that accountability has finally arrived, what is the plan, what action will be taken to restore Shannonvale Park, protect the River Argideen and ensure proper water infrastructure for future generations?

It is very disturbing. Irish Water should have the highest standards. Something like this should not be occurring. In recent months, Uisce Éireann had been assessing the feasible options for addressing the primary issue relating to the nine terraced houses and associated septic tank and percolation area in Shannonvale Park. The option is to establish a pumping station and transfer flow across the river towards the Clonakilty wastewater network. That is being progressed. This will involve the requirement to purchase land, establishing wayleaves, applying for planning permission and completing the required wastewater discharge authorisation reviews.

Two local legacy developer-provided infrastructure wastewater treatment plants will also be included in this project. Projects of this nature take a number of years to deliver. Funding has been allocated to develop the designs for this project and progress through the statutory consenting processes. We will keep in touch with and keep pressure on Uisce Éireann to make sure this happens.