Wastewater capacity issues continue to stall housing developments in Leitrim Village

An insufficient wastewater treatment system in Leitrim Village continues to delay the development of much-needed housing in the area.

At September’s meeting of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Paddy Farrell proposed that the Council call on the Ministers responsible for Housing, Rural Development, and the Environment to implement a plan to upgrade wastewater facilities in towns and villages across the county, describing the current situation as “having major impact on development.”

Cllr Farrell told elected members that a contractor is ready to apply for planning permission to develop houses in Leitrim Village but cannot proceed because the wastewater treatment system cannot handle the current load. “It’s holding up development all over the county,” Cllr Farrell said.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Enda McGloin, who highlighted one of the most “remarkable difficulties” as the inaction of Uisce Éireann in supporting potential housing developments.

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“There’s no effort made. Leitrim County Council have been proactive in trying to assist this situation. Irish Water just never engaged, never would dirty their hands to come down on the ground,” said Cllr McGloin.

Cllr Gary Prior also shared a conversation with a builder who could not proceed with purchasing a site in Leitrim Village due to wastewater capacity issues. 

“If there’s no capacity or ways and means of facilitating these houses, how are we going to build them?” he questioned.

The issue is set to be raised with Uisce Éireann when Leitrim councillors meet with them in Carrick-on-Shannon on Monday, September 8.

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