Foreshore Licence applied for Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant

Uisce Éireann has submitted an application to the Minister of the Environment, Community and Local Government, for a licence for marine site investigation works to progress the development of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP). The application is for marine site investigation works to be carried out in Arklow Bay and the estuary of the Avoca River. The works will enable the team to progress with the design and construction of the proposed outfall pipe in the bay and the intake pipe crossing the Avoca River. The works includes archaeological surveys, ecological surveys and geotechnical survey. All surveys are programmed to take place between July and September and are expected take approximately eight to 12 weeks to complete.

Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Wicklow County Council and Arup to deliver this project which will end the current practice of discharging untreated wastewater into the Avoca River. The project represents an investment of over €30 million by Uisce Éireann and will bring benefits to Arklow in terms of health, integrity of the environment and improved water quality for all.

The proposed project will involve the construction of a Wastewater Treatment Plant for a population equivalent of 36,000 at the Old Wallboard Factory, North Quay, Ferrybank (Old Gypsum Factory), which was the site option recommended by Uisce Éireann in December 2015. Interceptor sewer pipelines along the north and south quays will also be constructed to bring untreated wastewater to the plant and a marine outfall pipe will be constructed to safely discharge treated effluent to the Irish Sea.

Commenting on the application Michael Tinsley, Asset Programmes Manager at Uisce Éireann said “It is a key priority for Uisce Éireann to provide a new Wastewater Treatment Plant to the people of Arklow. These marine surveys will enable us to progress with the design elements of the outfall and intake pipes needed for the proposed project. Uisce Éireann will continue to keep residents, businesses and the wider community informed as the project progresses”.

The foreshore license documentation is available on the Department’s website and a copy of the application, and the relevant maps, plans, and drawings, are available for inspection for the next 21 working days, free of charge at Arklow Garda Station, Castlepark, Arklow, Co. Wicklow. Any person who wishes to make an objection to, or a representation in respect of the grant of the licence sought should do so in writing, giving reasons, within 21 working days of publication of this Notice (quoting ref: FS006614), to the Foreshore Unit, Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Newtown Road, Co. Wexford or foreshore@environ.ie. The closing date for submissions is close of business on 28 July 2016.

Uisce Éireann will continue to provide updates on this project in 2016 on the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant Project page, in addition to updates to local media and all relevant stakeholders. If you are interested in being informed about the project and involved in further consultation on this project, please email us at arklowtp@water.ie for more information.