€90,000 flood defence boost for Waterford as town loses 20 houses over water problems
A planning application for 20 new homes in Lismore has been refused because the town's water and wastewater infrastructure cannot support the development, while in nearby Tallow, eight minutes' drive down the road, the OPW has approved €90,000 in additional funding for flood mitigation works.
David Flynn Limited lodged an application to Waterford City and County Council on September 20, 2024, seeking permission for the development at Mayfield Road, Lismore.
The development consisted of 20 residential units including eight one-bedroom own-door apartments, eight two-bedroom own-door apartments, and a terrace of four two-storey, three-bedroom houses. Provision was made for 29 car parking spaces and 22 long term and six visitor bicycle spaces, with all associated site and development works.
The plans were turned down on May 30 last. The planning authority said it was 'not satisfied that it has been demonstrated that the development can be adequately serviced in terms of foul drainage, surface water drainage and water supply connections to the public network.
'Furthermore, it has not been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the planning authority that connection to the public network is technically feasible to the satisfaction of Uisce Eireann, as the water authority.
'The proposed development would therefore be premature pending the resolution of adequate connections to public facilities to serve the site and in the absence of a solution to same would be prejudicial to public health and contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.'
Waterford TD Conor McGuinness has said the refusal of planning permission for 20 homes 'highlights the consequences of Government failure to invest in core infrastructure in rural towns and villages.'
'This is a clear and deeply frustrating example of how rural housing is being blocked because the infrastructure simply isn't there. The local authority's hands are tied – they can't approve housing if Irish Water can't guarantee connections. That failure lies with Government. They've neglected water infrastructure for years, and now it's directly undermining housing supply.'
Deputy McGuinness said there is also an adjacent site with plans for a further 16 family homes, 'most likely semi-detached houses – and that's now in serious jeopardy too.'
'That's 36 potential homes for Lismore, blocked because of Government inaction. I raised the lack of action on rural housing with the Taoiseach on the floor of the Dáil this week and have met with GAA president Jarlath Burns to discuss the urgent need for a solution for all rural communities.'
Deputy McGuinness said the case shows the gap between 'Government rhetoric and reality.'
'The Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael-Independent coalition is rolling out the red carpet for global investment funds in the name of boosting supply – but they're scuppering real, deliverable housing in rural towns by failing to invest in basic infrastructure. It's not just hypocritical, it's damaging communities.'
Cllr Donnchadh Mulcahy said the refusal is a blow for west Waterford. 'We need more homes in towns like Lismore. We need them for working people, for older residents, and for young families who want to stay in their own community. Developments like this are sensible and needed – but they can't proceed without water infrastructure. It's a basic requirement.'
'The housing crisis isn't confined to cities. Our rural towns are being hollowed out. Families can't build. Builders can't deliver.'
Deputy McGuinness reiterated his call for action from Government. 'We need a multi-annual investment programme in rural water infrastructure, a rural housing strategy that includes small towns and villages, and a joined-up approach that actually delivers homes where they are needed. Without that, we'll keep seeing cases like this – and it's communities like Lismore that will pay the price.'
Tallow
The Office of Public Work has approved €90,000 in additional funding for flood mitigation works in Tallow. The west Waterford village bore the brunt of heavy rains in 2023 during Storm Babet.
Waterford junior minister Mary Butler thanked her colleague Minister Kevin Moran for announcing funding for the key flood mitigation works in Tallow on Thursday.
'I had many engagements with Minister Moran on the situation in Tallow following last November's election and I want to credit him for immediately recognising the importance of this issue to the community there, particularly the people of West Street.
'I am advised that these works will include an investigation of flooding, a topographical survey, preparation of a flood defence options report, a study to establish the causes of flooding and to identify potential feasible solutions, and An AA screening of a preferred scheme.
'Credit is due also to Waterford City and County Council's application for funding under the Office of Public Works' Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The funding being provided is a direct result of the effort and diligence they displayed in preparing their submission.
Minister Butler concluded: 'This is a village which was devastated when Storm Babet caused torrential flooding in late 2023.
'Residents have remained fearful during periods of heavy rain in the years since and I'm hopeful that they will take some reassurance from this week's announcement and the impending mitigation works. I look forward to welcoming Minister Moran to Tallow and West Waterford in the coming weeks.'
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