An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, have officially opened Uisce Éireann's new €139 million Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant which has ended raw sewage discharge into the Avoca River and supports housing and commercial development opportunities.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had identified Arklow as an area where untreated wastewater was released into the river, a practice that is no longer acceptable. This was one of 50 locations nationwide where raw sewage was being discharged into rivers, lakes and the sea when Uisce Éireann was established in 2013. Since then, the utility has successfully eliminated 85% of these raw sewage discharges, with projects completed or underway at 41 of the 50 locations and plans to address the remaining nine locations.
The provision of a wastewater treatment plant for Arklow had been subject to planning and legal delays since the 1990s. However, construction finally got underway in 2021, and Uisce Éireann has completed the works six months ahead of schedule and within budget.
Speaking at the opening event, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin commended the Arklow plant:
“The Government recognises the vital role of strategic infrastructure investment in meeting the country’s demand for housing while also protecting and enhancing the environment. That’s why we are committed to working with Uisce Éireann to bring forward essential projects like this plant in Arklow, which is currently capable of supporting a population of 24,000 but holds the potential to expand to 36,000.”
The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant has been conferred with the Architectural Association of Ireland’s highest honour, the Downes Medal, for what the AAI describes as ‘outstanding architectural merit’.
Minister Browne praised the vision behind the plant, commentng:
“This facility has provided the community with an architecturally significant building that is garnering attention at home and abroad. It is protecting the river from raw sewage pollution, transforming it into an amenity for the community while also ensuring new homes can be built and new businesses can be set up allowing the town to prosper.”
Uisce Éireann’s CEO, Niall Gleeson welcomed Taoiseach Martin and Minister Browne to the plant.
Pointing to the success of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant he said:
“This project demonstrates our ability, in partnership with industry leaders such as Ward and Burke Construction, to deliver world-class infrastructure on time and within budget. It shows that Uisce Éireann can deliver solutions that support communities and align with the Government’s housing targets. Uisce Éireann shares Government ambitions for new housing and is committed to doing its part through investment in strategic infrastructure developments.”
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