46. Uisce EireannMonaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031 - Pre-Draft Submission Form
Deadline for submissions is Friday 7th July 2023 at 5p.m.
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DRAFT 23_UE_27_MN Issues Paper.pdf 282.34KB
Menu of Policies for Development Plans.pdf 68.42KB
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DECLARATION
07/07/2023
Stiúrthóirí / Directors: Tony Keohane (Cathaoirleach / Chairman), Niall Gleeson (POF / CEO), Christopher Banks, Fred Barry, Gerard Britchfield, Liz Joyce,
Patricia King, Eileen Maher, Cathy Mannion, Michael Walsh.
Oifig Chláraithe / Registered Office: Teach Colvill, 24-26 Sráid Thalbóid, Baile Átha Cliath 1, D01 NP86 / Colvill House, 24-26 Talbot Street, Dublin, Ireland D01NP86
Is cuideachta ghníomhaíochta ainmnithe atá faoi theorainn scaireanna é Uisce Éireann / Uisce Éireann is a designated activity company, limited by shares.
Cláraithe in Éirinn Uimh.: 530363 / Registered in Ireland No.: 530363.
Forward Planning Team,
Monaghan County Council,
Planning Offices,
1 Dublin Street,
Monaghan, H18 X982
Email: devplan@monaghancoco.ie
7th July 2023 23_UE_FP_27_MonaghanIss
Re: Issues Paper – Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031
A Chairde,
Uisce Éireann (IW) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Issues Paper for the Monaghan
County Development Plan 2025-2031. We have provided some observations and suggested text
and objectives for inclusion in the draft Development Plan below and attached. We will continue
to engage with the planning department as the development plan process progresses.
1. Availability of Water Services
1.1 Zoning
Uisce Éireann are available to assist in the process of identifying suitable zoned lands from a
water services perspective. Sequential development in areas with existing water services
infrastructure and spare capacity is encouraged. In assessing the infrastructure requirements to
service a large area of land, it is preferable to have an overall development masterplan including
phases of development and timelines so that an overall strategic water services plan for the lands
can be developed.
Localised network reinforcements e.g. extensions, may be required to service some zoned sites,
depending on the location and scale of development. Network upgrades are more likely to be
required in areas served by sewers with a diameter of 150mm or less, or watermains with a
diameter of 80mm or less. In order to maximise the capacity of existing collection systems for foul
water, the discharge of additional surface water to combined (foul and surface water) sewers is
not permitted. The removal of stormwater from combined sewers using nature-based sustainable
drainage solutions is strongly encouraged in order to free up capacity for future development.
Where network reinforcements such as upgrades or extensions are required, these shall be
developer driven unless there are committed IW projects in place to progress such works. New
connections to Uisce Éireann networks are subject to our Connections Charging Policy. Further
information on this process is available at: https://www.water.ie/connections/developer-
services/.
Where Uisce Éireann assets are within a proposed development site, these assets must be
protected or diverted. If there is a possibility that Uisce Éireann assets will need to be altered or
diverted as a result of a proposed development, a diversion agreement may be required. Further
information on this process is available at: https://www.water.ie/connections/developer-
services/diversions/. Third-party agreement will be required where it is proposed to service a new
development via private property or private water services infrastructure e.g. backlands.
In settlements where the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is close to lands with potential for
the development of sensitive receptors e.g. residential dwellings, any future development of these
lands should take account of the established use of the existing wastewater treatment plant and
the potential for extensions / intensification of use of the WWTP in the future.
With regard to zoning and development in lands with no public water services infrastructure, as
outlined in Draft Water Services Guidelines for Planning Authorities (Jan 2018), Section 5.3: ‘It is
the policy of Uisce Éireann to facilitate connections to existing infrastructure, where capacity
exists, in order to maximise the use of existing infrastructure and reduce additional investment
costs. There is a general presumption that development will be focused into areas that are
serviced by public water supply and wastewater collection networks. Alternative solutions such
as private wells or wastewater treatment plants should not generally be considered by planning
authorities. Uisce Éireann will not retrospectively take over responsibility for developer provided
treatment facilities or associated networks, unless agreed in advance.’
1.2 Wastewater Infrastructure
Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs)
The 2022 Wastewater Treatment Capacity Register was recently issued to Monaghan County
Council and provides an indication of available capacity at Uisce Éireann WWTPs in Monaghan.
Construction has recently commenced on a project to upgrade Carrickmacross WWTP which will
improve compliance and available capacity. In Oram, a project to connect into the Castleblayney
agglomeration is progressing under the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme and is at
the design stage. A feasibility study on Newbliss WWTP has also recently commenced.
In a number of WWTPs in Monaghan, potential spare capacity is available. This is the case where
a WWTP is currently not compliant with Waste Water Discharge Licence emission limit values but
is capable of achieving at least Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWW) standards.
Potential availability of capacity in this case would be dependent on any additional load not
resulting in a significant breach of the combined approach as set out in Regulation 43 of the
Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007, which is the responsibility of the
relevant Local Authority to determine.
Wastewater Networks
Uisce Éireann and Monaghan County Council are continually progressing sewer rehabilitation
activities, capital maintenance activities, etc. Uisce Éireann and Monaghan County Council will
continue to monitor the performance of the networks to ensure that the most urgent works are
prioritised as required.
A Drainage Area Plan (DAP) was recently completed for Monaghan town which comprised a
detailed assessment of the network and identification of issues. The DAP identified constraints in
the Dawson St/ Clones Rd area of the town. Water quality modelling is underway to inform the
scope of works required to address the issues and a feasibility study is then due to commence
later this year. The scope of works will include an upgrade of the Old Cross Square pumping
station and the pipe upstream. Development in the catchment upstream of this bottleneck is
limited until the necessary upgrade works are completed.
Localised flooding issues in Clones are being investigated as part of the Local Flood Mitigation
Programme.
There are no other known major constraints in the networks in Monaghan. As outlined in section
1.1, localised network reinforcement may be required depending on extent of development.
1.3 Water Infrastructure
Water Supply for Monaghan
Uisce Éireann recently issued a water supply capacity register which provides an indication of
available capacity to cater for the projected growth to 2032 in settlements in Monaghan that are
served by Uisce Éireann. County Monaghan is supplied by nine water resource zones (WRZs):
the largest of which are Monaghan and Ballybay (Lough Egish) WRZs. Two of Monaghan’s
WRZs, Glaslough and Emyvale, are supplied by Group Water Schemes.
Works are planned at a number of WTPs including Kilkitt, Newbliss, Clones and Monaghan town,
to improve water quality and performance. We will also be engaging with the Group Water
Schemes in the coming year to assess the potential for future sustainable supply.
The regional water resources plan for the North West is currently being finalised and will identify
plan-level approaches to address the identified needs in Monaghan in a sustainable manner.
Water Networks
Uisce Éireann and Monaghan County Council are continually progressing leakage reduction
activities, mains rehabilitation activities and capital maintenance activities. Uisce Éireann and
Monaghan County Council will continue to monitor the performance of the networks to ensure
that the most urgent works are prioritised as required. Over 9km of mains rehabilitation works
have been carried out in recent years on distribution and trunk mains throughout the county
including in Castleblayney, Newbliss, Glaslough and Clones, with an additional 1km of pipeline
approved for delivery this year. Lead services have also been replaced throughout the county,
with an additional 1.6km of new pipeline to be installed under the Lead Pipe Replacement scheme
over 2023 and 2024.
There are no known major constraints in the networks in Monaghan. As outlined in section 1.1,
localised network reinforcement may be required depending on extent of development.
1.4 Sustainable Drainage and Green-Blue Infrastructure
Uisce Éireann encourages the inclusion of policies and objectives on the use of Sustainable
Urban Drainage Systems and Green-Blue Infrastructure in new developments including the public
realm and retrofitted in existing developed areas, in line with NPO 57 of the National Planning
Framework. These measures can provide a cost effective and sustainable means of managing
stormwater and water pollution at source, keeping surface water out of combined sewers (thus
increasing capacity for foul drainage from new developments), while providing multiple benefits
e.g. improved air quality, amenity, noise reduction.
Uisce Éireann would be happy to engage with Monaghan County Council to discuss stormwater
removal opportunities, in particular to progress nature-based rainwater management initiatives in
line with the recently issued Nature-based Solutions to the Management of Rainwater and
Surface Water Runoff in Urban Areas Best Practice Interim Guidance Document.
1.5 Planned road and public realm projects
Planned public realm and road projects have the potential to impact on Uisce Éireann assets and
projects e.g. tree planting, building over of assets, new connections, stormwater separation,
requirement to programme upgrade works in advance of road project.
Development in the vicinity of Uisce Éireann assets should be in accordance with our Standard
Details and Codes of Practise, and Diversion Agreements will be required where an Uisce Éireann
asset is diverted or altered.
Early engagement in relation to planned road and public realm projects is requested to ensure
public water services are protected, enable Uisce Éireann to plan works accordingly and
ultimately minimise disruption to the public.
2. Suggested policies and objectives
2.1 Suggested policies/ objectives
Uisce Éireann has a suite of policies/objectives which we would like to suggest to the Council for
inclusion in the Development Plan in relation to protecting Uisce Éireann assets and the
environment for the benefit of current and future population served by public water services
networks. We have attached these policies/ objectives to this submission.
3. General Information
3.1 Background
Uisce Éireann is responsible for the provision of public water supply, wastewater collection and
treatment services. It is an objective of Uisce Éireann to provide both drinking water and
wastewater capacity to support national, regional and local economic and spatial planning policy
(subject to the constraints of the Uisce Éireann Capital Investment Plan). Monaghan County
Council has retained its role in facilitating the provision of adequate water services, in conjunction
with Uisce Éireann, at a local level, through Service Level Agreements (SLAs). In line with the
Water Services Bill 2022, Irish Water became known as Uisce Éireann from January 2023 and
will assume full responsibility for the delivery of all public water services in Ireland on a phased
basis during 2023.
3.2 National and Regional Policy
Uisce Éireann acknowledges the planning policy and direction provided in the National Planning
Framework and the Northern and Western Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and
we are committed to supporting the policies therein, subject to budgetary and environmental
constraints. In this regard, we would draw your attention to Section 8.5 of the RSES which
provides general policy direction in relation to the sustainable management of water supply and
wastewater needs.
Uisce Éireann and Monaghan County Council will continue to work together to identify the water
services required to support planned development in line with national and regional planning
policies for inclusion in Uisce Éireann Capital Investment Plans.
3.3 Water Services Policy Statement
The Water Services Policy Statement (2018 - 2025) (WSPS) was published by the Department
of Housing, Planning and Local Government on 21 May 2018, as required under the Water
Services Act 2017. It identifies high level objectives and priorities for the delivery of water and
wastewater services over the period to 2025. It was prepared in line with the Water Services Acts
to give clear direction to strategic planning and decision making on water and wastewater services
in Ireland. The WSPS identifies policy objectives set across the three thematic areas of Quality,
Conservation and Future Proofing.
3.4 Water Services Strategic Plan
In 2015 Uisce Éireann published its Water Services Strategic Plan (WSSP), which sets out six
strategic objectives for the delivery of water services over a 25-year period and sets a context for
investment and implementation plans. These strategic objectives are:
• Meet customer expectations;
• Ensure a safe and reliable water supply;
• Provide effective management of wastewater;
• Protect and enhance the environment;
• Support social and economic growth;
• Invest in our future.
3.5 Uisce Éireann Strategic Funding Plan
Under the Water Services Act 2017, Uisce Éireann is required to submit a Strategic Funding Plan
to the Minister within three months of the publication of the Water Services Policy Statement. The
Uisce Éireann Strategic Funding Plan (2019 – 2024) was approved in November 2018 and reflects
the principles, themes and policy objectives identified in the WSPS and the strategic objectives
outlined in the WSSP. It outlines the costs, both operational and capital, associated with the
arrangements that Uisce Éireann proposes to make and measures that it intends to take to
implement the objectives of the WSSP.
3.6 Capital Investment Plan 2020-2024
The purpose of the Investment Plan is to set out Uisce Éireann’s budgetary plan from 2020-2024
in line with the Water Services Policy Statement 2018-2025 and our strategic objectives as
detailed in the Water Services Strategic Plan (WSSP). Our primary function is to provide clean
drinking water to customers and to treat and return wastewater safely to the environment. In
providing these services we play a central role in enabling economic growth, protecting both the
environment and the health and safety of our customers and the public.
Uisce Éireann’s Capital Investment Plan 2020-2024 has received final determination by Uisce
Éireann’s regulator, the Commission of the Regulation of Utilities (CRU). An explanatory booklet
which includes details of the planned investments in each county will be outlined is available here.
The list of projects and programmes included in our Investment Plan is continuously being refined
and is subject to budget, technical and environmental constraints, as well as statutory approvals.
Preparation of the next Investment Plan (2025-2029) is now underway and public consultation on
this will commence in 2023.
3.7 Climate Change
Uisce Éireann is focused on addressing the impacts of climate change by adapting our assets to
be resilient to climate change and mitigating our climate impact by reducing our carbon
footprint. The impacts of climate change are taken into account in Uisce Éireann plans and
projects e.g. the National Water Resources Plan.
Uisce Éireann is preparing a strategy which will respond to global and national climate change
legislative and policy frameworks for climate change action and fulfils the requirements of Uisce
Éireann’s Water Services Strategic Plan 2015, The Water Services Policy Statement 2018 – 2025
and most recently the Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Water Quality and Water
Services Infrastructure 2019.
Uisce Éireann is happy to work with the local authority to ensure the overarching goals of
mitigating, and adapting to, climate change in relation to water and wastewater are achieved.
3.8 The National Water Resources Plan
Uisce Éireann is preparing for the future by developing the National Water Resources Plan
(NWRP). The strategic plan for water services will outline how we move towards a sustainable,
secure and reliable public drinking water supply over the next 25 years, whilst safeguarding our
environment. The NWRP will outline how Uisce Éireann intends to maintain the balance between
our supply from water sources around the country and demand for drinking water over the short,
medium and long-term. This will allow preparation for the future and ensure the provision of
sufficient safe, clean drinking water to facilitate the social and economic growth of our country.
A three-pillar approach will be used in the NWRP:
1. Lose Less- leakage reduction and network efficiency
2. Use Less- water conservation measures
3. Supply smarter – sustainable supplies.
Following public consultation, the NWRP Framework Plan was adopted in Spring 2021. The next
stage of the NWRP is now underway which will involve the development of four regional water
resources plans which will identify plan-level approaches to address the identified need in a
sustainable manner. Consultation on the Draft North West Regional Water Resources plan, which
includes County Monaghan, will undertaken this year and the Plan is now being finalised.
3.9 Drinking Water Source Protection
Uisce Éireann has adopted the World Health Organisation (WHO) Water Safety Plan approach.
Drinking Water Safety Plans (DWSPs) seek to protect human health by identifying, scoring and
managing risks to water quality and quantity; taking a holistic approach from source t o tap. The
‘source’ component of DWSPs is a key component and a priority within Uisce Éireann, as
protecting and restoring the quality of raw water is an effective and sustainable means of reducing
the cost of water treatment in line with Article 7(3) of the WFD.
Uisce Éireann is committed to working with public bodies and other stakeholders towards a
common goal of the protection of drinking water sources. Good examples of where Uisce Éireann
is working in partnership with other stakeholders to protect drinking water quality are the National
Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG), as well as catchment-specific NPDWAG
Catchment Focus Groups. Uisce Éireann is currently involved in pilot drinking water source
protection projects, which aim to trial catchment scale interventions to reduce the risk of pollution
in water supplies.
3.10 River Basin Management Plan (RBMP)
Uisce Éireann supports the River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) Implementation Strategy through
participation within the RBMP implementation structures and participation in Water Framework
Directive initial and further characterisation activities. Uisce Éireann is a member of Water Policy
Advisory Committee, National Technical Implementation Group, and Regional Operational
Committees. Uisce Éireann works collaboratively with the EPA Catchment Science and Management
Unit (CSMU) to facilitate the identification of significant pressures and the setting of environmental
objectives. In addition, Uisce Éireann supports the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO)
desktop studies and local catchment assessment work through ongoing data sharing. The objectives
and priorities of the RBMP 2018 – 2021 have been incorporated into IW investment plans and work
programmes as appropriate, and the objectives and priorities of the third cycle RBMP (2022-2027)
will be a key driver for the next investment plan.
We look forward to engaging with Monaghan County Council as the Draft Development Plan
progresses.
Yours Sincerely,
Elaine Heneghan
Elaine Heneghan
Forward Planning
Asset Strategy & Sustainability
Menu of appropriate Objectives/Policies for Water Services in
Development Plans
General Policies in relation to Water Services
a) To work closely with Irish Water to identify and facilitate the timely delivery
of the water services required to realize the development objectives of this
plan;
b) To consult with Irish Water in the development of Plans, SDZs, etc. in order
to ensure the proposed spatial strategy takes account of:
- the available capacity of the public water services infrastructure;
- the need to protect and optimise existing and planned public water
services infrastructure;
- the need for sequential and phased development;
- the financial and environmental implications of development in
sensitive areas.
c) Prior to granting planning permission the Council will ensure that adequate
water services will be available to service development and that existing
water services are not negatively impacted. The Council should require
developers to provide evidence of consultation with Irish Water prior to
applying for planning permission;
d) To protect existing wayleaves and buffer zones around public water services
infrastructure through appropriate zoning and to facilitate the provision of
appropriate sites for required water services infrastructure as necessary;
Water Supply
e) To protect both ground and surface water sources, to avoid water quality
deterioration and reduce the level of treatment required in the production
of drinking water, in accordance with Article 7(2) of the WFD. Protection
and restoration of drinking water at the source can have co-benefits for
biodiversity and climate change;
f) To support Irish Water in the development and implementation of Drinking
Water Safety Plans which seek to protect human health by identifying,
assessing and managing risks to water quality and quantity; taking a holistic
approach from source to tap.
g) To support Irish Water in the development and implementation of the
National Water Resources Plan for Ireland’s public water supplies which seeks
to address issues around the availability of water;
h) To promote water conservation and demand management measures among
all water users, and to support Irish Water in implementing water
conservation measures such as leakage reduction and network
improvements, including innovative solutions in specific situations.
Wastewater Services
i) To ensure that the Local Authority provides adequate storm water
infrastructure in order to accommodate the planned levels of growth within
the plan area and to ensure that appropriate flood management measures
are implemented to protect property and infrastructure;
j) To require all new development to provide a separate foul and surface water
drainage system and to incorporate sustainable urban drainage systems
where appropriate in new development and the public realm;
k) To prohibit the discharge of additional surface water to combined (foul and
surface water) sewers in order to maximise the capacity of existing collection
systems for foul water;
l) To support Irish Water in the promotion of effective management of trade
discharges to sewers in order to maximise the capacity of existing sewer
networks and minimise detrimental impacts on sewage treatment works;
m) To ensure that all new developments connect to the public wastewater
infrastructure, where available, and to encourage existing developments that
are in close proximity to a public sewer to connect to that sewer. These will
be subject to a connection agreement with Irish Water;
n) To refuse residential development that requires the provision of private waste
water treatment facilities (i.e. Developer Provided Infrastructure), other than
single house systems;
o) The provision of single house septic tanks and treatment plants in the Plan
area will be strongly discouraged to minimise the risk of groundwater
pollution. Where such facilities are permitted, full compliance with the
prevailing regulations and standards, including the EPA’s Code of Practice for
Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (PE. ≤10) (EPA 20 21), as may be
amended, will be required;
p) To ensure that private wastewater treatment facilities, where permitted, are
operated in compliance with their wastewater discharge license, in order to
protect water quality.
Note: As per Section 5.3 of the Draft Water Services Guidelines for Planning
Authorities, ‘Alternative solutions such as private wells or waste water treatment
plants should not generally be considered by planning authorities. Irish Water
will not retrospectively take over responsibility for developer provided treatment
facilities or associated networks, unless agreed in advance.’ The opportunity may
arise for the development to connect into the network in the future however, the
developer provided treatment facility would not be taken over.