Cleaner waters for Cork’s coast to deliver lasting environmental benefits and support sustainable growth

Uisce Éireann and Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, today marked the completion of the €16.3 million Ballycotton Sewerage Scheme, a significant environmental milestone for the coastal village that ends the discharge of collected untreated wastewater into Ballycotton Bay.  

It brings a decade-long programme of wastewater upgrades across Cork County to a close, with approximately €235 million invested in twelve locations countywide to eliminate raw sewage discharges, delivering lasting environmental benefits and supporting sustainable growth.  

The new infrastructure is already delivering benefits for Ballycotton and its surrounding coastal waters, enhancing water quality and amenity value. Designed to support future needs, it also provides capacity for new homes and local enterprise, ensuring the village can grow sustainably while safeguarding its renowned coastal setting.  

Minister O’Sullivan joined the Uisce Éireann project team, local TDs, councillors and members of the community to officially open the wastewater treatment plant. Speaking at the event, he said: “I am delighted to be here today to celebrate this landmark environmental achievement in Ballycotton and across Cork. We are seeing the benefit of our investment in critical infrastructure that is delivering immediate and lasting benefits for coastal communities across the county.  

"Investment in wastewater infrastructure plays a vital role in enhancing water quality, protecting Cork’s coastline, safeguarding marine habitats, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining the fishing, recreation and tourism activities that coastal communities rely on. It’s essential that we ensure that villages and towns across Cork are well positioned for sustainable growth into the future. The Government recognises the vital role of strategic infrastructure investment in protecting and enhancing the environment while also meeting the country’s demand for housing and that is why the Government will be investing a further €12 billion in our water and wastewater infrastructure in the coming years. I want to pay tribute to Uisce Éireann and all the project teams who worked to deliver these upgrades.”

Speaking at the event, Patrick Greene, Uisce Éireann’s Portfolio Manager, said:  “Today marks an important milestone for the people of Ballycotton and the wider area and I want to acknowledge the support and cooperation of the community throughout the construction of this essential project. Prior to the project, the equivalent of over 860 wheelie bins of untreated wastewater was discharged directly into Ballycotton Bay each day. This critical investment will not only safeguard the local environment but will unlock capacity to support the building of new homes. It is a vital step in ensuring that Ballycotton can continue to thrive while protecting its natural environment.”  

Pointing to Ballycotton as the final project in a countywide programme to end raw sewage discharges, he said: “The scale of investment, delivered over approximately ten years and totalling €235 million, will deliver lasting environmental benefits while supporting communities and national housing targets.”

Minister O’Sullivan was joined by Cathaoirleach of East Cork Municipal District, Cllr. Rory Cocking, who echoed the local benefit: “With the completion of Ballycotton today and the nearby new Whitegate-Aghada Sewerage Scheme also being brought into trial operations, this is a very positive day for East Cork. Cleaner coastal waters enhance the amenity value of the region for swimming, fishing, boating and tourism, supporting local communities to grow and thrive in a sustainable way now and into the future.”  

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, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.