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Communities across Cork, including Mallow, Inchigeelagh, and Castletownshend, are reaping the benefits of Uisce Éireann’s substantial investment in wastewater infrastructure, totalling over €436 million in 2023. The national programme has been pivotal in addressing long-standing issues caused by underinvestment, with major strides made in reducing raw sewage discharges and upgrading wastewater treatment facilities.

In Cork, these efforts have seen significant developments. The Mallow Wastewater Treatment Plant received a €20 million upgrade, boosting capacity for homes and businesses. Similarly, Inchigeelagh’s €6.8 million project successfully stopped raw sewage discharges into the River Lee, with the construction of a new treatment plant. Meanwhile, Castletownshend’s €11 million sewerage scheme has also greatly enhanced local water quality and infrastructure.

Nationwide, Uisce Éireann’s ongoing projects have eliminated raw sewage discharges in 41 out of 50 priority areas, achieving 94% compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Since 2014, 136 treatment plants have been built or upgraded, further supporting sustainable growth and environmental protection.

Michael Tinsley, Uisce Éireann’s Senior Wastewater Delivery Manager, emphasised the transformative nature of these works:

“Our once-in-a-generation plan to eliminate raw sewage discharges is on track, delivering cleaner waters and greater capacity for development across Ireland.”

Despite these successes, challenges remain, particularly around securing planning consents for large infrastructure projects. Uisce Éireann will require continued multi-billion euro investments over the coming decades to fully modernise Ireland’s wastewater services and meet future demands, including those driven by population growth and climate change.

For more information, visit the Draft Cork Wastewater Strategy on Uisce Éireann’s website.