Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Offaly County Council, have commenced works to upgrade its Clara Water Treatment Plant.

The upgrade will ensure the continued delivery of a clean, safe drinking water supply the communities of Clara, Ballycumber, Ferbane, Doon, Belmont, Shannonharbour and Shannonbridge, ensuring compliance with current drinking water quality regulations and providing improved water quality for current and future generations.

The project represents a €9.7 million investment by Uisce Éireann and will include works to modernise and improve the treatment processes at the plant, ensuring raw water continues to be treated to the highest standards.

The works also include upgrades to the filtration units, central controls and automation systems which will improve resilience at the Water Treatment Plant.

Martin Temple, programme manager with Uisce Éireann said:

"Uisce Éireann is delighted to be investing in this significant and essential project for the communities of Clara, Ferbane and neighbouring areas. This significant upgrade is required to ensure compliance with drinking water regulations and reduce the risk of water quality issues in the future.”

“The upgrade works carried out as part of this project will ensure the continued delivery of safe, clean drinking water to residents and businesses for current and future generations. We look forward to working with the local community as we continue investing in Offaly’s critical infrastructure.”

The works will address potential risks to water quality and enable the removal of the scheme from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Remedial Action List (RAL).

The works are being carried out by Veolia Water Ireland on behalf of Uisce Éireann and are expected to be completed in Summer 2024.