Irish Water hosted a special event to mark the opening of the new facility and honour 40 years of dedication from retired Senior Executive Wastewater Executive Engineer, Larry Wolohan.
The new treatment plant and supporting infrastructure will ensure that treated wastewater is now fully compliant with EU Urban Wastewater Directives before being safely discharged back into the natural environment. It will also enable future growth and development in the area which spans Wicklow and Carlow, and has already facilitated a much-needed expansion of the local primary school, St Mary's NS which also benefits pupils in Co Carlow.
Speaking at the official opening, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Shay Cullen said: "I'm delighted to be here to witness the official opening of Ballyconnell Wastewater Treatment Plant. This significant investment by Irish Water will ensure that wastewater is collected and treated to the highest environmental standards. The completion of this project in Ballyconnell is vital to ensure we can provide a platform for future growth in the local community
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"I would also like to pay tribute to retired senior executive engineer for Wicklow County Council, Mr Larry Wolohan retired senior executive engineer for Wicklow County Council, Mr Larry Wolohan whose dedication to Ballyconnell and expertise on both the old and new wastewater treatment plants span four decades."
Irish Water's Wastewater Asset Operations Lead, Brendan Cahalin, added: "The completion of this essential piece of infrastructure for the area will ensure that wastewater from homes and businesses is treated and discharged locally in compliance with Irish and European environmental standards and will unlock the potential for future growth and housing development in the area.
"Prior to the completion of this project, the original wastewater treatment plant did not meet the needs of a growing community and surrounding areas. Tankered wastewater had to be transported each week to a second wastewater facility for treatment. Following this investment by Irish Water tankering is no longer required, providing significant cost savings as well as a sustainable wastewater treatment for homes and businesses now and into the future."
The project represents a significant investment by Irish Water and included the construction of a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant and associated infrastructure which will significantly increase treatment capacity and support future growth and development in the area.
The project was delivered by David Walsh Civil Engineering Limited as Contractor and Ryan Hanley as Employers Representative on behalf of Irish Water. The Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin acquired the site to facilitate the new plant.
