Episode Details

After 18 years of waiting, there’s finally a major breakthrough for Kilmihil. A planning notice has confirmed that Uisce Éireann is progressing plans for a new wastewater treatment plant in the West Clare village. It follows years of delays and uncertainty around the long-promised upgrade — a project first earmarked under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, with completion initially suggested for 2025, but later pushed back to the end of the decade. The issue has sparked political debate and local frustration, particularly after an EPA report identified Kilmihil as a priority area for upgrades. Now, however, there’s cautious optimism. Retired businessman and Kilmihil resident Gerry Johnston has welcomed the development as a turning point for the village’s future, while Rita McInerney, who has long campaigned on the issue, says the announcement is the result of sustained local pressure and persistence. Both joined Sally-Ann Barrett in studio to discuss what this latest step means for Kilmihil — and whether it finally puts the village on a firmer footing for growth and future generations. Image (c) Clare FM