Kilkee wastewater treatment plant permission upheld by High Court

The High Court has upheld planning permission for a new wastewater treatment plant in Kilkee, County Clare, a decision welcomed by Uisce Éireann. The court also denied residents' requests for leave to appeal the ruling to the Court of Appeal.

Uisce Éireann stated that the project is necessary to end the long-standing discharge of raw sewage into the sea at the popular holiday destination and will support future economic, residential, and tourism development.

Local opponents, including the ‘Save the Kilkee Cliff Walk’ campaign, have strongly resisted the development. Residents argue the facility lacks a tertiary treatment component, will create unpleasant odors on the scenic cliff walk, and acts more like a ‘slurry tank’ than a proper treatment plant. There are also concerns regarding the use of a nearby stream as an overflow for the tanks.