A new wastewater treatment plant has officially opened in Co Cork.

The old Riverstick Wastewater Treatment Plant was in poor condition and failed to meet EU standards.

However, Irish Water in partnership with Cork County Council invested €1.35 million to upgrade the existing plant as well as building a 500 metre water main.

The new plant, located on a greenfield site to the south of Riverstick Village, provides for a population equivalent (PE) of 1,000, more than double that of the old plant, and will ensure wastewater is treated to the required environmental levels to meet current and future social and economic growth. Detailed testing is showing that treatment standards are being met and the plant has been operating successfully for a number of months.

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Aisling Buckley, Regional Information Officer for Irish Water, said: "Addressing critical issues with the wastewater infrastructure across the country, such as in the case of Riverstick where the old plant lacked sufficient capacity and processes to adequately treat wastewater, is a priority. Where possible we also try to carry out works in tandem with other projects in the area so as to minimise disruption for local residents. Riverstick is an example of how we can achieve this and reduce capital costs in the process."

(CD)