2.5.1 Introduction

2.5.1i The standards to be achieved in both drinking water and wastewater are now specifically laid down in the relevant national regulations, which give effect to the corresponding E.U Directives. The Council has adopted ‘Quality’ as the pre-eminent water supply parameter in its Strategic Management Initiative Report in 1997.

2.5.2 Water Supply

2.5.2i Fethard is not an enclosed scheme, receiving its water supply from several sources including Mullenbaun Well, Cloran, Gurtnapisha and Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply Scheme. The flow from the Ardfinnan Scheme is low and fire flows are not available in some parts of the town, and therefore some augmentation is required.

2.5.2ii The principal water treatment scheme is the Ballinard Scheme. This is an untreated (except for chlorinated) scheme on a mountain source at Gortnapisha. A major augmentation scheme was completed by providing additional water from the spring source at Mullenbaun. During dry periods the latter source now provides up to 75% of requirements.

2.5.2iii Automatic controls were installed to adjust water source to exclude Mullenbaun water when coloration is a problem. The Council has received approval from the Department of the Environment for a treatment plant of 2700 cu.m. capacity, and to provide a 2700 cu.m. reservoir for the town.

2.5.2iv The 1994 Plan sought to improve the distribution network throughout the town, and to construct a new water treatment works on the Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply Scheme. The treatment works at Ardfinnan are nearing completion, while the improvements to the town network are ongoing. However, it is likely that in the long term water from the Ardfinnan Scheme will not form a major part of the Fethard Supply Scheme.

2.5.2v A second objective of the 1994 Plan was to install a new ring main from Fethard reservoir to the town network system. This has been completed as far as Rocklow Road.

2.5.3 Sewage Facilities

2.5.3i A Catchment Monitoring Study is presently being carried out in the Suir Catchment Region, and this will result in the production of a Catchment Management Plan for the Region. As Fethard is a point source within the study area, Phosphate and Nitrate management in the town will be examined as part of that study. It is envisaged that a nutrient removal plant will be required towards the latter part of this Plan.

2.5.3ii A new 1000m of surface water sewer was laid to service lands on the Killenaule Road. It is anticipated that zoning for new housing development will be served by this sewer.

2.5.3iii The town is presently served by an aeration sewage treatment works.

Policy SERV.1: Sewer Capacity It is the policy of the Council to take account of the drainage system in the area prior to granting planning permission for development.

2.5.3iv Planning Permission will not be granted if the development proposed is likely to cause pollution or to overload the sewers or to cause nuisance or endanger public health.

2.5.4 Development Contributions: -

Refer to Chapter 3 (Development Control) for details regarding development contributions and legal agreements.

2.5.5 Waste Management Strategy

Policy SERV.2: It is the policy of the Council to promote the increased re-use and recycling of materials from all waste sources. It will co-operate with local retailers and residents associations in managing collection points for recycling goods.

2.5.5i The Council has provided facilities for the collection of bottles at the public car park at Cashel Road. However, the Council is currently reviewing the County Waste Management Strategy which will consider such issues as local collection and recycling, distribution and national disposal and reprocessing facilities at Fethard.

Policy SERV.3: It is the policy of the Council to ensure that public areas and areas visible from tourist centres within the town are maintained free of litter.

2.5.5ii The Council recognises that litter is a major environmental problem which significantly detracts from the visual quality of the town. The Council is currently working with the Tidy Towns Committee, schools and local residents associations to increase awareness of waste re-cycling and litter control.

Policy SERV.4: It is the policy of the Council to implement the ‘polluter pays’ principle with particular regard to industrial discharges and to implement the provisions of the various water pollution and environmental protection legislation and regulations thereunder.

2.5.6 Specific Objectives on Public Services

W1 Provide Treatment Plant of 2700 m.cu./day capacity at Ballinard.

W2. Provide 2700 m.cu reservoir at Gortnapisha.

W3. Lay 2,000 metres of 150mm main from Fethard reservoir to Ballinard

W4. Construct a tertiary treatment plant.

W5. The development Strategy outlined in the Plan will guide the nature and extent of proposed improvements in sewage facilities.

W6. The Council will support business initiatives in the collection, segregation, storage and transportation of packaging and other waste.

2.5.6i IBEC members have committed themselves to recycling 25% of packaging waste over the next five years. This should give rise to business opportunities in this area.