Uisce Éireann and Wexford County Council turn the sod at Kilmore Quay
20 May 2022
The rainfall could not dampen the air of positivity as the sod was turned for the new Wastewater Treatment Plant and related infrastructure at Kilmore Quay this morning. Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wexford County Council, has already commenced works on the new sewerage scheme and wastewater treatment infrastructure for the village, however due to Covid restrictions, the ceremonial aspects of the works were put on hold, until today.
Jon Sisk and Sons Ltd. will carry out the works on the utility’s behalf to end the discharge of raw sewage into the Celtic Sea with the project due for completion in 2024.
Once completed, the new sewer infrastructure will ensure compliance with wastewater discharge regulations. It will also improve the performance of the sewer network and water quality in the receiving waters and the Celtic Sea.
The new scheme will involve the design and construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, underground pumping stations, pipelines, as well as testing and commissioning works. All new infrastructure will be sized to serve existing and future populations and the new wastewater infrastructure will enhance local amenities and provide a platform for social and economic development.
Uisce Éireann’s Michael Tinsley was in Kilmore Quay this morning;
“It is really fantastic to be here in Kilmore Quay this morning. Uisce Éireann is really looking forward to delivering this important project to benefit the local community for the generations to come. This project will improve water quality around the quay and wider harbour area, enhance the amenity value of the coastal waters and ensure compliance with national and EU regulations relating to the treatment of urban wastewater.
“All new infrastructure has been sized to accommodate future population growth and will play an integral part in the development of Kilmore Quay. We look forward to working with the local community to deliver this essential project with our partners in Wexford County Council and Jon Sisk & Sons Ltd. Uisce Éireann has a strong track record of completing projects on time and on budget once we get boots on the ground. Indeed, we have good news in this regard not too far away from here. We turned the Sod on the Duncannon, Arthurstown and Ballyhack project in June 2021. Later this summer, the Wastewater Treatment Plant located in Arthurstown will begin operation, with the overall project being on course to be fully completed by the end of 2022, ahead of schedule.
"Uisce Éireann is committed to playing its part in the national drive to provide homes to people who need them by developing and prioritising the delivery of key water service infrastructure. ”
Councillor Jim Moore, Cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District was present at the sod turning this morning and has campaigned for this infrastructure for some time;
“I am delighted to see this most welcome infrastructure which will give a huge impetus to the development of Kilmore Quay in terms of environment, industry, community, housing, and tourism. I would like to thank all concerned for their efforts in reaching this important milestone for Kilmore Quay and the surrounding district and region. It comes at an opportune time with the Wexford County Development Plan under consideration as well as the Local Economic Development Plans for the District.”
Will Merriman, Managing Director, Ireland Civils, Sisk added:
“Sisk is delighted to be selected for this vital new wastewater treatment project, that will significantly improve water quality in Kilmore Quay. Sisk is also in the process of completing a similar wastewater treatment project at Arthurstown in Co. Wexford. We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with Uisce Éireann and Wexford County Council, creating a positive legacy for all stakeholders and the local community of Kilmore Quay .”
The proposed scheme will involve the design and construction of the following works, a new wastewater treatment plant that will serve existing and future populations. New below ground pumping stations with above ground kiosks along with pipelines to transfer sewage from the pumping stations to the wastewater treatment plant. A new treated wastewater pipeline to discharge treated wastewater from the new wastewater treatment plant to the existing discharge pipe. Testing and commissioning of the works once complete.
Uisce Éireann and our appointed Contractor, Jon Sisk & Sons Ltd. will be in contact with the local community in Kilmore Quay as the works progress throughout the delivery stage of the project.
The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates, please visit the Supply and Service Updates section of the our website.
Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.