Gallons Of Human Waste Trucked Away Weekly As Unapproved Refugee Village Exceeds Sewage Limit

Tuesday, 11 February 2025 14:08

By Martin Osborne

The village was constructed without planning permission, and Wicklow County Council has refused to grant retention permission on environmental and regulatory grounds.

A controversial refugee village built without planning permission in Manor Kilbride, just outside Blessington, is producing nearly double the amount of sewage permitted under its licensing agreement.

This has resulted in tens of thousands of gallons of human waste being trucked off-site each week for treatment.

Located in the Kippure Lodge and Holiday Village estate, the facility is generating over 98,000 gallons of sewage weekly, despite being licensed for only 59,171 gallons.

Uisce Éireann, responsible for processing the excess waste, has declined to disclose payment details for its services, according to Extra.ie.

A letter by a senior planning engineer at Wicklow County Council, as seen below, notes how wastewater is being moved off site.

The facility, operated by Seefin Events Unlimited, has faced multiple planning disputes.

It was constructed without planning permission, and Wicklow County Council has refused to grant retention permission on environmental and regulatory grounds.

The site, which includes 65 houses, roads, and service buildings, is being probed by An Bord Pleanála and is also the subject of a High Court case.

Despite these legal challenges, Seefin Events has submitted new plans for a 300-guest conference centre, 24 holiday homes, and 82 guest bedrooms on the estate.

The company wants to replace the refugee complex under those new plans.

The company is also seeking approval to upgrade wastewater facilities.

Directors of Seefin Events have been paid €74.2m in State contracts over the past two years.

Wicklow County Council has urged An Bord Pleanála to uphold its decision to refuse retention permission, citing concerns over environmental impact, wastewater management, and legal compliance.

A ruling on whether the site qualifies for planning exemptions is expected in April.