Major boost for Kerry with €25million investment in Kenmare Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

04 September 2023

With its rugged coastline and mountains, the Kingdom is an idyllic place to live, work and visit. As the county develops and grows, so too does demand for key infrastructure to support that growth.

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

Speaking about the project, Uisce Éireann’s Infrastructure Delivery Programme Manager, Anthony Kavanagh said;

“Kenmare Wastewater Treatment Plant is a crucial piece of infrastructure for Kerry and once the upgrade works have been completed, we will be able to ensure that we can accommodate future growth and protect the environment, in a more efficient way. The investment reflects Uisce Éireann’s commitment to the delivery of critical infrastructure in order to support local communities across Kerry to thrive.”

Anthony added: “This project has been long-awaited but finally we have boots on the ground and are eager to get going. The works will be carried out by Glanua and will take about two years to complete with the project set to benefit county Kerry for decades to come. We would like to thank the local community for their support and co-operation as we carry out this work.”

Cathaoirleach of the Kenmare Municipal District, Cllr Norma Moriarty said, “It is great to see such a significant and long awaited investment in the Kenmare wastewater treatment plant. The upgrade will be of enormous benefit to the people of Kenmare by supporting not only economic and social growth but also meeting our environmental obligations in protecting the River Finnihy and our water quality generally.”

The upgrade works will involve the construction of a new pumping station at Cromwell’s Bridge as well as the modernisation of the current wastewater treatment processes at the plant. 

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 the Uisce Éireann website.