A new water treatment plant has officially opened in Castlecomer, Kilkenny.

The work was part of an overall investment of almost €6 million by Irish Water to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in the county.

The new plant was delivered as part of a €3.1 million project which also included upgrades to the wastewater infrastructure in Urlingford and Stoneyford. It has a capacity of 2,500 population equivalent (PE), while Urlingford and Stoneyford have capacities if 1,500 and 600 PE, respectively. This increased treatment capacity will support the ongoing growth of these three villages, while also helping to protect the Nore and Barrow rivers and their tributaries.

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A further €2.6 million has been invested by Irish Water to upgrade the wastewater treatment at Freshford, Johnstown and Goresbridge. The work, which was completed at the end of last year.

Carlow-Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan said: "I am delighted to be here to officially open this new wastewater treatment plant in Castlecomer. The upgrade of this treatment plant, alongside those in Urlingford and Stoneyford, will lead not only to a big improvement in the quality of water in the River Nore and its tributaries by ensuring that all water is fully treated before being discharged into the river, but it will also provide the capacity for future residential and commercial growth in the three villages."

Brian Sheehan, Irish Water's Head of Asset Delivery, said: "There are major deficiencies in the wastewater treatment infrastructure throughout the country, which Irish Water is committed to addressing. Prior to the completion of this project, partially treated wastewater was being discharged from Castlecomer to the River Nore and its tributaries. Untreated stormwater overflows were also discharged to the rivers during periods of high rainfall. The opening of this new plant will end this practice, leading to significant improvement in water quality which will bring benefits for everyone in the county."

(CD/MH)