€21million investment in Macroom Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

01 December 2023

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Cork County Council, is proud to announce that works have commenced on the upgrade of the Macroom Wastewater Treatment Plant. Once operational, the modernised wastewater treatment plant will ensure environmental compliance with national and EU regulations, protect water quality in the Sullane River, and will also support the long-term sustainable growth and development of Macroom.

Speaking about the project, Uisce Éireann’s Infrastructure Delivery Programme Manager, Darran O’Leary said;

“Macroom Wastewater Treatment Plant is a crucial piece of infrastructure for West Cork and once the upgrade works have been completed, we will be able to ensure that we can accommodate future growth whilst protecting the environment. The investment is yet another example of Uisce Éireann’s commitment to the delivery of critical infrastructure in order to support local communities across Cork to thrive.”

Darran added: “The project will also incorporate renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions by incorporating a solar array to supply over 10% of the site’s electricity needs." 

“The works will be carried out by Glanua and will take about two years to complete with the project set to benefit County Cork for decades to come. We would like to thank the local community for their support and co-operation as we carry out this work."

The upgrade works will involve decommissioning of the existing plant and its associated structures, construction of a new facility in Macroom to serve a population equivalent of 7700, new inlet works, stormwater tank, biological treatment process, control building and a solar panel farm.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit our website.