Planning permission granted to increase treated water storage capacity at Windmill Hill Reservoir

19 July 2022

Uisce Éireann welcomes the decision by Meath County Council to grant planning permission which will allow for a substantial increase in treated water storage capacity at Windmill Hill Reservoir. The completion of the project is vitally important to improving the water supply security for residents and businesses in Ratoath and Ashbourne, facilitating economic development, and providing for a growing population.

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Meath County Council, will also replace over 7kms of problematic, old water mains in Ratoath that have been prone to frequent bursts and have caused water supply disruptions for customers and businesses in both Ratoath and Ashbourne. The old water mains will be replaced by high density, state-of-the-art polyethylene (plastic) pipes which will also address low water pressure particularly in Ratoath, encountered during periods of peak demand.

Uisce Éireann also plans to construct an additional large storage reservoir at Windmill Hill. This additional infrastructure will mitigate the impact of any of the frequent bursts in the existing upstream watermain that supplies Windmill Hill Reservoir from Staleen Water Treatment Plant located near Donore.

Commenting on the decision, William McKnight, Regional Delivery Lead at Uisce Éireann said: “We welcome the decision by Meath County Council to grant permission for the construction of a 4.7 million litre treated water storage reservoir at Windmill Hill. Once completed the Project will reinforce the water supply security and resilience for homes and businesses in Ratoath and Ashbourne and will empower future growth for Southeast Meath.”

William added, “Uisce Éireann and Meath County Council are committed to working closely with all residents and stakeholders as we progress this significant infrastructure project with benefits for all.”

Uisce Éireann is now in the process of concluding the tender process for the planned works and is on track to award the construction contract in Q3 of this year, with works to commence shortly thereafter.

The new proposed additional reservoir will be built adjacent to the existing reservoir at Windmill Hill which is located between Curragha and Kilmoon Cross. The replacement watermain will run parallel to the existing watermain along the L5003 and the R155.

For additional information on the project please click here.

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 continues to keep 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 the Uisce Éireann website.