The new €139 million Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant in County Wicklow has officially opened following completion of construction.

A collaboration between Ward and Burke Construction and Uisce Éireann, the plant has ended raw sewage discharge into the Avoca River and now supports housing and commercial development opportunities.

The provision of a wastewater treatment plant for Arklow had been subject to planning and legal delays since the 1990s. However, construction finally got underway in 2021, and Uisce Éireann completed the works six months ahead of schedule and within budget.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne officially opened the plant, with both officials praising the project.

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Speaking at the opening event, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin commended the Arklow plant: "The Government recognises the vital role of strategic infrastructure investment in meeting the country's demand for housing while also protecting and enhancing the environment. That's why we are committed to working with Uisce Éireann to bring forward essential projects like this plant in Arklow, which is currently capable of supporting a population of 24,000 but holds the potential to expand to 36,000."

Meanwhile, Minister Browne added: "This facility has provided the community with an architecturally significant building that is garnering attention at home and abroad. It is protecting the river from raw sewage pollution, transforming it into an amenity for the community while also ensuring new homes can be built and new businesses can be set up allowing the town to prosper."

The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant has been conferred with the Architectural Association of Ireland's (AAI) highest honour, the Downes Medal, for what the AAI describes as 'outstanding architectural merit'.

Photo credit: Irish Water on X.