Key contract signed for critical upgrade to the drinking water supply for Mullingar

12 July 2022

Safeguarding the future water supply in Westmeath remains a top priority for Uisce Éireann as the intensive campaign to improve water quality continues across the town and the county, as well as improving the water supply to homes and businesses.

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership Westmeath County Council, is delighted to announce the signing of a major new construction contract that will result in critical upgrades to the drinking water supply in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. The Portloman Water Treatment Plant upgrade will provide a more reliable water supply for existing homes and businesses. Located at Lough Owel, northwest of Mullingar, the plant supplies the town and surrounding areas with drinking water and utilises membrane ultrafiltration technology as the main treatment process.

The investment includes replacing these membrane filters, while optimising the facility with the provision of a new pH correction facility and providing upgrades to chemical storage and electrical installation. This will ensure the delivery of a clean, safe drinking water source and improve the drinking water quality for Mullingar.

Speaking about the project John McElwaine, Regional Delivery Lead with Uisce Éireann said: “The works began in June 2022, and we look forward to delivering this important project for residents and businesses in Mullingar and the surrounding areas. This treatment plant utilises unique membrane ultrafiltration technology as the main water treatment process. We will be upgrading the infrastructure at the plant and optimising the treatment process. The completion of these works will safeguard the water supply in Mullingar now and into the future.”

John added “These works follow on from the successful completion of an upgrade to the plant’s high lift pumps earlier this year which involved the replacement of four pumps in the existing water treatment plant. This will lead to significant reductions in the energy consumption over the coming years.”

The works are being carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Murphy Process Engineering and are expected to be completed by the end of 2023. For further information on the project, please check www.water.ie/projects/local-projects/portloman-water-treatment/.

Uisce Éireann will continue to communicate with the local community in Mullingar regarding the upcoming works as well as throughout the project.

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 growth in our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.

Uisce Éireann keeps customers informed about their water and wastewater supplies across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us on Twitter @IWCare and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and by setting their location on our website.