New state-of-the-art treatment plant officially open in Ballyconnell, Wicklow
17 June 2022
It was a historic occasion for Ballyconnell this morning as Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Wicklow County Council, officially opened a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility following a €600,000 investment to safeguard the environment and support a sustainable future for the village. The new treatment plant and supporting infrastructure will ensure that treated wastewater is now fully compliant with EU Urban Wastewater Directives before being safely discharged back into the natural environment. It will also enable future growth and development in the area which spans Wicklow and Carlow, and has already facilitated a much-needed expansion of the local primary school, St Mary's NS which also benefits pupils in Co Carlow.
At a special event to mark the occasion which also honoured 40 years of dedication from retired Senior Executive Wastewater Executive Engineer, Larry Wolohan, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Shay Cullen welcomed the significant investment by Uisce Éireann, adding; “I’m delighted to be here to witness the official opening of Ballyconnell Wastewater Treatment Plant. This significant investment by Uisce Éireann will ensure that wastewater is collected and treated to the highest environmental standards. The completion of this project in Ballyconnell is vital to ensure we can provide a platform for future growth in the local community."
“I would also like to pay tribute to retired senior executive engineer for Wicklow County Council, Mr. Larry Wolohan retired senior executive engineer for Wicklow County Council, Mr. Larry Wolohan whose dedication to Ballyconnell and expertise on both the old and new wastewater treatment plants span four decades.”
Larry Wolohan who spoke at the event said: “After 40 years of working as an Engineer with Wicklow County Council and other local authorities it is a momentous occasion to witness the opening of the new Ballyconnell Wastewater Treatment Plant. A lot of hard work went into the design and construction of the plant, and it is an honour to be standing here to see the project brought to reality and serving the community of Ballyconnell.”
Uisce Éireann’s Wastewater Asset Operations Lead, Brendan Cahalin, said: “The completion of this essential piece of infrastructure for the area will ensure that wastewater from homes and businesses is treated and discharged locally in compliance with Irish and European environmental standards and will unlock the potential for future growth and housing development in the area."
Brendan added “Prior to the completion of this project, the original wastewater treatment plant did not meet the needs of a growing community and surrounding areas. Tankered wastewater had to be transported each week to a second wastewater facility for treatment. Following this investment by Uisce Éireann tankering is no longer required, providing significant cost savings as well as a sustainable wastewater treatment for homes and businesses now and into the future."
The project represents a significant investment by Uisce Éireann and included the construction of a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant and associated infrastructure which will significantly increase treatment capacity and support future growth and development in the area.
The project was delivered by David Walsh Civil Engineering Limited as Contractor and Ryan Hanley as Employers Representative on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
Uisce Éireann and Wicklow Country Council also acknowledge the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin with regards to acquiring the site to facilitate the new plant.
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.