Uisce Eireann Quells Fears Of Raw Sewage Flowing Into Avoca After Arklow Wastewater Treatment Improvements

EPA report highlights areas where continued improvements are needed, and Uisce Éireann remains committed to addressing these through unprecedented capital investment programme.

Uisce Éireann had attempted to address to recent concerns from residents and officials in Co, Wicklow by delivering major upgrades to wastewater infrastructure local waste water treatement facilities

They acknowledge the need to improve water quality, protect the environment, and enabling sustainable growth in local communities.

It’s emerged that part of Arklow Harbour is not connected to the new wastewater treatment plant in the town, causing high amounts of e-coli to be found in the river.

Following a query from independent Cllr Peir Leonard during the July meeting of Wicklow County Council.

However in Arklow, Uisce Eireann said the new €139 million wastewater treatment plant, completed in 2024, has ended the decades-long discharge of untreated wastewater into the River Avoca.

Serving 24,000 people (expandable to 36,000), the plant protects local waterways, boosts amenity value, and supports social and economic development.

Councillor Leonard said in July:

“A recent report conducted by the Arklow Sea Scouts shows there is a lot of harmful e-coli flowing into the river. I believe signage needs to be erected in the area, so the public are made aware.”

In response engineer Avril Hill said they no longer have control of how the treatment plant is managed.

“The wastewater treatment plant which began operating this year is now fully under the remit of Uisce Eireann, so it is now their responsibility to investigate the matter. We will continue to raise our concerns, but it may be helpful for the chair to send a letter looking to clarify the situation.”

Meanwhile, in Avoca, a €17 million wastewater upgrade is underway to ensure all wastewater is properly treated for the town’s 1,900 residents and businesses, safeguarding both public health and the local environment.

These projects are part of Uisce Éireann’s multi-billion-euro investment programme to modernise Ireland’s wastewater infrastructure, address ageing assets, and improve environmental compliance nationwide.

Since 2014, over 85% of raw sewage discharges across Ireland have been eliminated, including Arklow, with further projects underway.

Ongoing commitment

Maria O’Dwyer, Uisce Éireann’s Director of Infrastructure Delivery, said:

“The scale of the work highlighted in the EPA report shows that there is still more to do. In Wicklow, we are making real progress, delivering projects that improve local water quality, protect public health, and enable sustainable development. Our ambitious plan will continue to drive investment and upgrade infrastructure where it is needed most.”

She added:

“Sustainable development in Wicklow and across Ireland depends on modern, reliable water services infrastructure. Uisce Éireann is committed to ensuring timely delivery of essential projects, working closely with Government, regulators, and communities to achieve this goal.”