Macroom Water Treatment Plant Upgrade

Uisce Éireann has commenced a major upgrade of the Macroom Water Treatment Plant in County Cork. 

Uisce Éireann commenced an upgrade of the Macroom Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in April 2025. This WTP supplies a population of over 4,000 across Co. Cork. 

The upgrade of this existing WTP will see critical investment of over €6.5m which will benefit Macroom homes and businesses by ensuring compliance with the current Drinking Water Regulations, improving the drinking water quality and providing a safer more reliable water supply. 

Glanua are carrying out these works on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
 

The Macroom Regional Water Supply is included on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Remedial Action List (RAL), which identifies water supplies that need improvement. Macroom Water Treatment plant is on the EPA RAL to improve and address treatment and management issues. This upgrade will also address the persistent boil water notices experienced on the Macroom public water supply.

This project is a full upgrade of the water treatment plant which includes the following works:

• Upgrade to intake Works
• Upgrade the existing CFC process, including
  - New flocculation tank
  - Upgrade to existing DAFs
• Filtration – installation of 3 no. New rapid gravity filters
• Full electrical upgrade
• Upgrade SCADA
• Upgrade existing high lift pumps

Since April 2025, the project team have undertaken the below works;

• Procurement and installation of new infrastructure in relation to the water treatment process
• Procurement and installation of new Electrical and Process control panel
• Procurement and installation of new Chemical Storage Tanks
• Enabling works in relation to upgrade of electrical infrastructure to site.
• Refurbishment of existing Infrastructure on site to reutilise rather than replace 
  existing structures.
• Decommissioning and removal of redundant tank from site.
• Investigation and Procurement of more efficient plant and equipment for the site, such as more efficient pumps and further exploration of suitability of renewables energies for the site.
   

• Providing a safer and more reliable water supply for approx. 4000 customers.
• Ensuring a more resilient water supply and improving drinking water quality.
• Ensuring compliance with current National and EU drinking water regulations.
• Ensuring current capacity demand is met.
• Contribute to the removal of Macroom Public Water Supply from the EPA’s Remedial Action List (RAL).

Currently in the construction phase. It is expected to be complete in the summer of 2026.

Uisce Éireann will endeavour to keep all stakeholders informed as we progress this essential water supply project.

Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or visit www.water.ie.