Portlaoise Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

Uisce Éireann has been granted planning permission for a transformative upgrade to the Portlaoise Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The project which has recently received planning permission is designed to meet the wastewater treatment needs of Portlaoise for the next 25 years and will increase the capacity of the plant to serve a population equivalent (PE) of 45,480, up from the current PE of 33,500. 

The upgrade will support future sustainable growth and development in the area, while also ensuring compliance with wastewater discharge regulations and improving the quality of treated wastewater being discharged into Triogue River.

This project includes construction of the following:

• New inlet works, including screening and de-gritting units.
• New stormwater holding tank to balance excessive stormwater flows.
• Three primary settlement tanks.
• Three new aeration tanks.
• Four new final settlement tanks.
• Two new tertiary sand filters.
• A primary sludge pumping station.
• Odour control for primary sludge infrastructure to mitigate against an odour nuisance.
• Control and automation upgrades.
• A solar array installed to provide the renewable energy generation.
• A biodiversity enhancement area.

The upgraded wastewater treatment plant will bring benefits to the area including: 

• Increase the capacity of the plant to serve a population equivalent (PE) of 45,480, up from the current 33,500 PE, accommodating future population growth of the surrounding areas.
• Improving water quality in the River Triogue.
• Enhancing local amenities and providing a platform for social and economic development.
• Ensuring compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and EPA Wastewater Discharge Licence.

With planning permission now secured, Uisce Éireann will move toward finalising design, going out to tender and preparing for the construction phase of the project.

In advance of this project moving to construction we will proactively communicate clear details of the project to the local community and to related stakeholders in the area.

Uisce Éireann will continue to work hard to keep all stakeholders informed as we progress this essential wastewater project. Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have and questions about the project or visit our website.