Uisce Éireann has achieved significant milestones on its €139 million wastewater project in Arklow - approximately 80% of the works to the sewer network have been completed along the North and South quays, with over 1.8 km of new sewers already installed and all tunnelling works completed.

Once completed, the landmark investment at its Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant will eliminate the equivalent of 14,000 wheelie bins per day of untreated wastewater entering the Avoca River.

Once the sewer network phase of the project has been completed early next year, the works will be confined to the new Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant site itself.

Paul Fallon, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann commented:

“This project once completed will end the unacceptable practice of discharging untreated sewage into the Avoca River. The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant project demonstrates how Uisce Éireann is delivering infrastructure that is critical for the health and economy of communities across Wicklow and Ireland. The provision of adequate wastewater treatment, in a manner that protects the natural environment and subsequently our health, is essential to the growth and development of this beautiful town.”

The water company said the project represents another major milestone in Uisce Éireann’s capital investment journey to end the unacceptable practice of discharging untreated sewage into waterways and sea. Since the establishment of Uisce Éireann 60% of all raw sewage discharges by volume have been eliminated and Arklow is the largest remaining town without treatment.

The commencement of the project and the progress made throughout 2022 and 2023 means the water company is on track to eliminate the vast majority of raw sewage discharges in Ireland by 2025.