€5.9 million wastewater upgrade to commence in Wicklow Town

Uisce Éireann is starting works in June on a significant €5.9 million project to upgrade the wastewater network in Wicklow Town, supporting social and economic development, protecting the local environment, and delivering long term benefits for the community.

As Wicklow continues to grow and develop, its wastewater network requires improvements to ensure it can reliably meet environmental standards and support future needs, including planned residential development enabling the town and community to thrive.

This project in the Bollarney area of the town will upgrade the wastewater network and increase the capacity to deliver reliable, sustainable, high-quality wastewater services for the community.

The section of works will take place along the R750 from Bollarney Woods as far as Abbey Street and will involve the installation of 800 metres of new sewer pipeline. The works will commence on 8 June in the pumping station and will not move onto the street until 15 June to accommodate students sitting State exams.

A further phase of the project to upgrade Bollarney Pump Station is expected to commence in 2027, subject to planning. This will provide further additional wastewater capacity and network resilience.

The initial works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Coffey Construction and are expected to be completed by end of summer.         

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris said: “Reliable water and wastewater infrastructure is essential if we are to deliver the homes and sustainable growth our communities need. Through the significant investment being made in Uisce Éireann under the National Development Plan, this Government is determined to ensure towns and communities have the infrastructure required to grow and prosper.

“As Tánaiste and as a TD for Wicklow, I am delighted to see this major investment getting under way in Wicklow Town. This project will be a game changer for South Wicklow - supporting future housing delivery, strengthening local infrastructure, protecting the environment and creating the capacity needed for communities to expand and thrive in the years ahead.

“This investment is about planning for the future and ensuring Wicklow continues to be an attractive place to live, work and raise a family. I want to thank Uisce Éireann, Coffey Construction and everyone involved in bringing this important project forward, and I look forward to seeing the long-term benefits it will deliver for our communities.”

James Browne T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, welcomed the commencement of this vital work in the Wicklow Town area. “The commencement of this project is very welcome news for the community in Wicklow Town.  Improvements in the capacity of the wastewater network will bring tangible benefits and provide the required infrastructure to service existing and new developments in the area, including much-needed new housing.

“Continued investment in public wastewater services is essential to facilitating housing delivery as provided for under to our new Housing Action Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, this investment is bringing new homes on stream. That is why in the most recent Budget and through the National Development Plan we have increased Uisce Éireann’s funding to accelerate the delivery of water infrastructure and support the development of new homes across the country.” 

Michael Donoghue, Programme Manager, Uisce Éireann, said: “These works mark the beginning of a programme to upgrade Wicklow’s wastewater network, enhance its capacity and resilience and ensure its long-term reliability. We’re committed to delivering this upgrade as efficiently as possible while minimising disruption for the local community. We appreciate everyone’s continued patience and cooperation as we carry out this important phase of work.”

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.