Eliminating raw sewage
Since 2014, we have built new wastewater infrastructure for 31 towns and villages across the country, ending the discharge of raw sewage into the environment. Over 70% of these raw sewage discharges across Ireland have now been eliminated. We have a plan to provide treatment in the remaining locations and are making great progress.
Uisce Éireann is on track to eliminate the majority of raw sewage discharges by the end of 2025.
We are on track to eliminate the vast majority of raw sewage discharges by the end of 2025, with a total investment of over €750 million. In addition to the 31 completed sites, we currently have 9 locations under construction across the country. This means 40 out of 50 locations either have brand new infrastructure in place or have projects under construction. There are plans for the rest, prioritising the areas where it can make the biggest impacts first.
Benefits
When the projects are complete it will bring many benefits to local communities and tourists, with improved water quality in our rivers, lakes or the sea. It will improve water quality, protect our environment, safeguard our health, protect marine life and support future growth and development. It will also ensure Irelands compliance with European regulatory standards.
Eliminating Raw Sewage in Ireland
We are working on projects all across Ireland to eliminate the discharge of raw sewage. View our videos to find out more and how our projects benefit the local community.
Completed Projects
| County | Project | County | Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cork | Youghal | Donegal | Saint Johnston |
| Ringaskiddy/ Crosshaven/ Carrigaline | Dublin | Rush Town | |
| Ringaskiddy Village | Galway | Kinvara | |
| Passage West & Monkstown | Spiddal | ||
| Castletownshend | Ahascragh | ||
| Cobh | Kerry | Ballylongford | |
| Courtmacsherry/ Timoleague | Louth | Omeath | |
| Castletownbere | Mayo | Belmullet | |
| Inchigeelagh | Killala | ||
| Kilmacsimon | Waterford | Dunmore East | |
| Clare | Clarecastle | ||
| Liscannor | Wexford | Arthurstown | |
| Kilrush | Ballyhack | ||
| Donegal | Bundoran | Duncannon | |
| Killybegs | Kilmore Quay | ||
| Kilcar | |||
| Kerrykeel |
|
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| Burtonport |
Projects in the pipeline
| County | Project | County | Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clare | Ballyvaughan | Dublin | Doldrum Bay |
| Kilkee | Galway | Carraroe | |
| Cork | Ballycotton | Roundstone | |
| Whitegate-Aghada | Limerick | Foynes | |
| Donegal | Rathmullen | Glin | |
| Rathmelton | Mayo | Newport | |
| Coolatee | Wicklow | Arklow | |
| Moville | |||
| Milford | |||
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Falcarragh |
Associated Campaigns
The works undertaken as part of this programme is embedded in Uisce Éireann’s supports of Clean Coasts Think Before You Flush and Think Before You Pour campaigns. These public awareness programmes raise awareness about the problems that sanitary products, cotton wipes, Fats, Oils and Grease and other items can cause to our marine environment, wildlife and our wastewater systems if they are flushed down the toilet or poured down the sink.