Improvement work on the Portarlington Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co Laois has been completed.

Irish Water invested €1.96 million to upgrade the plant which has now officially opened.

The upgrade works were carried out over eight months and included; installation of standby screen and grit removal system, replacement the surface aerators with fine bubble diffused aeration, upgrades to telemetry monitoring, upgrades to the sludge thickening system and access road.

The upgrade works will ensure that treated effluent meets effluent compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations and the EPA Waste Water Discharge Licence. The Portarlington Wastewater Treatment Plant is listed in the European Court of Justice (ECJ) infringement notice. Prior to the upgrade, the plant was non-compliant with Article 4 (Treatment).

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Paul Fallon, Wastewater Infrastructure Programme Manager with Irish Water said: "We are delighted today to officially mark the opening of the newly upgraded Portarlington Wastewater Treatment Plant. Investment in the Portarlington Wastewater Treatment plant has increased the efficiency of the plant. This investment will benefit the environment as the plant is now compliant and discharges into the River Barrow are compliant with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations and the EPA Waste Water Discharge Licence. This investment will support economic development in Portarlington for years to come."

(CD/LM)