Planning application submitted for critical wastewater infrastructure in Limerick to enable delivery of homes, jobs and growth

A planning application has been submitted for an upgrade of the Limerick (Bunlicky) Wastewater Treatment Plant and Regional Bioresource Centre, the largest ever wastewater infrastructure investment by Uisce Éireann in the region, which will support growing communities, facilitate new homes and help protect the environment.

This investment will ensure that Limerick will have the essential services needed to continue growing. It will also enhance the environment by improving water quality in the Shannon Estuary, safeguarding important conservation habitats and help to protect local amenities enjoyed by communities, anglers, boat users and visitors alike.

Limerick (Bunlicky) Wastewater Treatment Plant is one of several nationally significant infrastructure projects submitted by Uisce Éireann and then selected for accelerated delivery, with the project designated by the Government as critical infrastructure under the Critical Infrastructure Act 2026. 

The submission follows an early public engagement process which included a dedicated non-statutory public consultation and briefings with elected representatives and local stakeholders, whose feedback helped to inform the design now submitted for planning approval.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said: “I am very happy to see this project taking the next step towards construction. The government has designated this project as critical infrastructure in recognition of the essential wastewater capacity it will provide to support growing communities, the vital housing delivery it will enable, and its associated environmental benefits. Its delivery will be critical to ensuring homes, businesses and communities have the wastewater services they need to thrive in the years ahead."

Maria O’Dwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director with Uisce Éireann, also welcomed the project’s progress. “The planning submission and associated public consultation is an important step forward for the people of Limerick and the wider Mid-West. As communities grow, it is essential that the infrastructure supporting them keeps pace. This project will create the wastewater capacity needed for new homes, support economic development and help protect water quality in the Shannon Estuary.

“This investment will ensure Limerick City has the robust and modern wastewater infrastructure it needs to grow and thrive, while also strengthening the protection of the Shannon Estuary. We will continue to keep the local community engaged and informed as we move forward with this exciting project.”

As part of the planning process, a statutory public consultation period is now open, providing an opportunity for members of the public and interested parties to review the proposals and make a submission. Full details of the planning application, including supporting environmental assessments and information on how to make a submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála, are available here. 

Subject to planning approval, Uisce Éireann will move forward with the next stages of the project. Uisce Éireann remains committed to delivering infrastructure that meets the needs of growing communities, protects our environment, and supports long-term regional resilience.

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.