Decision welcomed by An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant

Uisce Éireann welcomes the decision today by An Bord Pleanála to approve planning permission for the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Project will result in significant improvements to water quality in Arklow by ending the current practice of the discharge of raw sewage directly into the Avoca River. With over 15,000 people set to be connected to the new treatment plant on completion, this project is important in terms of protecting the environment, facilitating economic development and providing for a growing population.

The project will provide wastewater treatment through the development of a new 36,000 PE (population equivalent) wastewater treatment plant at the Old Wallboard Factory, North Quay, Ferrybank, Arklow. The project will also include the construction of two interceptor pipelines (along the North and South Quay) to bring untreated wastewater to the proposed treatment plant, as well as a marine outfall pipe to safely discharge the treated wastewater effluent into the Irish Sea.

Eliminating the discharge of raw sewage into the River Avoca is a top priority

John Joyce, Infrastructure Programme Regional Lead with Uisce Éireann, said “We welcome the decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for the proposed Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant. Since Uisce Éireann took over the responsibility for water and wastewater services in January 2014, addressing the need to eliminate the discharge of raw sewage into the River Avoca has been a top priority. The proposed new WwTP will have huge benefits for the residents and businesses in Arklow and the tourists that visit the area as it will improve the water quality in the River Avoca and enable future economic growth in the area. This project is critical in safeguarding the wastewater system in Arklow for the future.

We have had extensive consultation with the community to date and are committed to working closely with all residents and stakeholders as we progress this significant infrastructure project with benefits for all. To date, raw sewage has been discharged directly into the Avoca. This project, on completion, will see significant improvements to water quality in Arklow, which is better for the environment and the local community. Over 15,000 people will be connected to the new scheme.”

More information on the project

For more information, visit our Arklow Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant webpage.