Irish Water is progressing its plans for work at the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) - when complete, the project will result in significant improvements to water quality in Arklow by ending the current practice of the discharge of raw sewage directly into the Avoca River, safeguarding the wastewater system.

With over 15,000 people set to be connected to the new treatment plant on completion, Irish Water said the project is important in terms of protecting the environment, facilitating economic development and providing for a growing population.

An Bord Pleanála has already granted planning permission for the Arklow WwTP project. Irish Water has this week submitted an application to the Minister for Housing Planning and Local Government for a foreshore licence for to progress the development of the Arklow WwTP.

Plans for the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant Project include:

• A new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) of 36,000 population equivalent that will best meet the current needs of Arklow, and allow for future expansion of the town. The preferred site is the Old Wallboard Factory, North Quay, Ferrybank
• Sewer pipelines (along the North and South Quays) to bring the untreated wastewater to the WwTP
• A marine outfall pipe to safely discharge the treated wastewater to the Irish Sea

John Joyce, Infrastructure Programme Regional Lead with Irish Water, said:

“Since Irish Water took over the responsibility for water and wastewater services in January 2014, addressing the need to eliminate the discharge of raw sewage into the River Avoca has been a top priority.

“The proposed new WwTP will have huge benefits for the residents and businesses in Arklow and the tourists that visit the area as it will improve the water quality in the River Avoca and enable future economic growth in the area. This project is critical in safeguarding the wastewater system in Arklow for the future. The foreshore licence application is another significant step in progressing the works on the plant.”

Irish Water is currently in the process of tendering the works to enable the appointment of contractor. It is planned that works will commence in Autumn 2020. The project will take approximately three years to construct.