Green light for Grangemockler as nature-based wastewater treatment plant confirmed

Uisce Éireann is delighted to announce planning permission has been granted for a constructed wetland wastewater treatment plant in Grangemockler, Co. Tipperary.  

The new treatment plant, which is a sustainable, nature-based wastewater treatment system is designed to look and function as a natural wetland. It provides a natural treatment solution that will significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions when compared with the conventional wastewater treatment process, while also acting as a carbon sink, helping to offset emissions from other sources. This wastewater infrastructure upgrade will also enable sustainable local growth.  

The constructed wetland will contain vegetated ponds planted with native species that will enhance local biodiversity. Due to the limited above ground infrastructure the ponds have minimal visual impact on the existing landscape. 

The delivery of this project includes the construction of a new constructed wetland wastewater treatment plant, a new pumping station and rising main, and the decommissioning of three existing wastewater treatment plants by constructing new collector sewers. 

David McLoone, Uisce Éireann Programme Manager, said: “We are delighted that we can now forge ahead with the development of this sustainable wastewater infrastructure in Grangemockler. This project will play a key role in protecting the local environment, including the Currasilla Upper stream, that is within the lower River Suir Special Area of Conservation (SAC), while also promoting local biodiversity.”

With planning permission now secured, construction is set to begin in later 2026, with Stantec and Ward & Burke Construction Ltd. collaboratively carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann. 

This project is part of Uisce Éireann’s ongoing multimillion euro investment in upgrading the wastewater infrastructure across County Tipperary, including recently completed projects in Newport, Ballina, and Cahir; as well as ongoing upgrades at Fethard, Nenagh and Kilsheelan where planning permission was recently granted. Site investigations have also been completed on the network upgrade in Thurles. 

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. 

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.