'Unacceptable' that Longford towns haven't sufficient wastewater systems for new homes

Deputy Micheál Carrigy has called for immediate measures to address the lack of wastewater treatment capacity in Ballymahon and Edgeworthstown — the second and third largest towns in County Longford — which is currently preventing the delivery of much-needed new housing.

Speaking at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage last week, Deputy Carrigy highlighted the ongoing crisis facing both towns.

“Ballymahon and Edgeworthstown simply have no capacity in their existing public wastewater systems. As a result, we cannot build houses there. This is completely unacceptable at a time when we are crying out for housing.”

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Deputy Carrigy pointed out that Longford is home to a company that manufactures package sewage treatment systems, exporting them all over the world.

“It’s extraordinary that we can build these treatment systems here in Longford, send them across the globe, but we’re not seeing them used to solve capacity issues in our own county so that we can deliver homes for local families.”

During the committee session, representatives from Uisce Éireann acknowledged that while the technology exists to deliver such solutions, the lengthy planning and environmental consenting processes are often the biggest barriers. They indicated there is work underway to look at how these could be streamlined, especially for smaller communities, through measures such as general binding rules.

Deputy Carrigy continued:

“We need a straight answer on when we can expect these package plants or temporary treatment systems to be deployed in Ballymahon and Edgeworthstown. We cannot afford to let bureaucracy and red tape stall essential housing projects any longer. This is about ensuring local people can build and buy homes in their own communities.”

Deputy Carrigy, who is Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has committed to keeping this issue firmly on the agenda.

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“I will continue to push for immediate progress so that the people of Ballymahon, Edgeworthstown, and wider Longford can see the homes and investment they deserve.”