Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has received confirmation from Uisce Éireann that the long-promised wastewater schemes for Broadford and Cooraclare are progressing, with contractor appointment now expected in 2027.
Raising the issue at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Local Government, Deputy Cooney sought an update on the two pilot schemes under the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme, both of which were approved for County Clare but have not yet advanced to the construction stage.
In response, Uisce Éireann confirmed that a consultant is expected to be appointed by September to progress design work, with the schemes then moving through detailed design and planning phases. Officials stated that, following completion of this process, the appointment of a contractor for both Broadford and Cooraclare is expected in 2027 as part of a national delivery programme.
Sean Laffey, Asset Management and Sustainability Director with Uisce Éireann, told the Committee, “Following our recent engagement with local authorities, we are progressing with the appointment of a consultant by September to advance design work. Once design is complete, the next stage will be the procurement and appointment of a contractor, which is expected in 2027 as part of our national programme delivery approach.”
Deputy Cooney also raised the issue of the wastewater treatment plant in Kilkishen, which is currently operating at capacity and is impacting housing development in the area. He sought clarity on when upgrades will be progressed and whether interim solutions, including modular treatment systems, could be considered to unlock housing delivery in the short term.
He said the Kilkishen situation highlights the wider pressure on wastewater infrastructure across County Clare and the direct link between capacity constraints and housing delivery.
Deputy Cooney said the update on Broadford and Cooraclare provides some clarity on the pathway forward, but underlined the need to maintain urgency in delivery.
“While it is welcome to have a clearer outline of the next steps, the confirmation that a contractor will not now be appointed until 2027 highlights the long lead-in time for these projects,” he said.
He added that both Broadford and Cooraclare have faced significant delays, with growing local frustration due to the absence of firm construction timelines.
“These are vital infrastructure projects for rural Clare,” he said. “People have waited a long time, and there is a clear expectation that once design work is complete, the process will move forward without further unnecessary delay.”
Deputy Cooney said he will continue to engage with Uisce Éireann and Government to ensure the schemes are delivered as efficiently as possible and to highlight their importance for housing and rural development.