Lee Road Water Treatment Plant

Uisce Éireann is investing approximately €40 million to upgrade the water supply for over 70% of Cork City

The existing Lee Road Water Treatment Plant (WTP) provides approximately 70% of Cork City’s total treated water supply. Water is taken from the River Lee and treated water is then pumped to reservoirs in the North West of the city through a system of rising mains. This project will provide much needed upgraded facilities to safeguard the water supply for Cork City.

Drinking water treatment at the site began in 1879. Since then, there have been several upgrades to the facilities but no major upgrades since the 1950s. The Cork City Water Supply Scheme is included on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Remedial Action List (RAL) which identifies water supplies that are in need of improvement.

Uisce Éireann has started construction of a new water treatment plant on the existing site at Lee Road. We will maintain water supply throughout construction. Once works are complete, the upgraded and modernised plant will provide a more secure water supply for the future of Cork City.

Benefits

• A safe and secure water supply

• Investment in key infrastructure

• Ensure the plant at Lee Road meets the needs of a growing population.

• Supports the ongoing social and economic development of Cork City.

• Removal of supply from the EPA’s Remedial Action List

How are works progressing to date?

​This €40 million project is being delivered by J Murphy and Sons Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann. Works commenced in late 2019 and it is anticipated that construction works will be completed by the end 2021. This includes:

• On-going works at the site which included recent concrete pour of the new infrastructure.

• Works to replace the existing plant with a new water treatment plant that will supply 40 Megalitres per Day (MLD).

• Works also include upgrades to the pumping stations, tanks, treatment systems and flood protection works.