The text of a letter from John McGuinness, TD’s office following his attendance at the recent meeting in Inistioge calling for an upgrade to the local wastewater treatment plant. The letter was distributed to households in the area and is published below for those who did not receive a copy.

Dear Resident,
For some time, we have been working on your behalf to secure clear answers and progress on the vital issue of water and wastewater infrastructure in our village. We know the concerns that exist regarding the capacity of the existing system and the need for investment to support our community, its growth, and our local environment.

Frustrated by a lack of direct communication, we recently made public the fact that our detailed queries to Uisce Éireann on your behalf were going unanswered. We are now in receipt of a comprehensive response, which we are publishing in full alongside this letter.

The answers provide crucial clarity, but also confirm issues we have long highlighted:

1. Responsibility: It is confirmed that Kilkenny County Council sets the local priority ranking for projects like Inistioge under specific programmes. Uisce Éireann then uses this list within its national plans.
2. Inistioge’s Priority: The Council reprioritised Inistioge from 4th place in 2021 to 5th in 2023. Uisce Éireann states this decision was made by the Council.
3. Current System: Uisce Éireann maintains the existing septic tank system, which they state provides primary treatment. They report a capacity study found “no evidence of environmental harm,” but acknowledge the plant is nearing its design capacity.
4. Path Forward: For villages like Inistioge with an existing public system, the business case for upgrade rests with Uisce Éireann. For areas like The Rower with no public wastewater system, the initial responsibility lies with the Local Authority and the Department of Housing.

While this information is essential, it is not the end of our work. The need for upgraded infrastructure in Inistioge remains pressing for housing, business, tourism at Woodstock, and environmental protection.

We will continue to liaise directly with both Uisce Éireann and Kilkenny County Council to ensure Inistioge’s case is advanced. We will also continue to fight for the allocated funding for Bennettsbridge to move swiftly through the planning stages.

Our communities have waited too long for these fundamental services. We thank you for your ongoing support and will continue to provide you with updates.

Is mise, le meas,
John McGuinness TD
Fianna Fáil, Carlow-Kilkenny

Cllr. Andrew McGuinness
Kilkenny County Council

Click here to read Uisce Eireann’s answers to Deputy McGuinness’ questions