Core Refusal Reason
Failure to demonstrate a viable and sustainable wastewater treatment solution on a site with extreme groundwater vulnerability and karsified bedrock, contrary to public health requirements and the 2021 EPA Code of Practice.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed on-site wastewater treatment system fails to comply with the 2021 EPA Code of Practice, specifically regarding the required depth of suitable sub-soil over karsified bedrock in an area of extreme groundwater vulnerability.
- The Planning Authority considers the proposed use of a UV treatment system for domestic wastewater to be an unsustainable long-term solution and maintains a preference for connection to existing public wastewater infrastructure.
- Potential significant impacts on European Sites, including Dromore Woods and Lough SAC and East Burren Complex SAC, cannot be ruled out due to the lack of clarity regarding the safe disposal of effluent.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Low density Residential (LDR3)County Development Plan (including Flood Maps, SEA & AA)
Decision Document Summary
Michael Curtis sought outline permission for a single dwelling house with a proprietary wastewater treatment system at Toormore, Ruan, Co. Clare. While the site is located within the Ruan village settlement on lands zoned for low-density residential use, the proposal was refused due to critical public health and environmental concerns. The site is characterized by karsified bedrock and extreme groundwater vulnerability; the applicant failed to demonstrate that the proposed wastewater system coul...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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