The Government has approved the Preliminary Business Case for a major upgrade of Limerick City's wastewater treatment plant and an associated bioresource centre, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD has announced.

The scheme, valued at more than €250 million, is among Uisce Éireann's largest investments in the Mid‑West.

Limerick's existing wastewater treatment plant at Bunlicky, in operation since the early 2000s, has been prioritised by Uisce Éireann for significant modernisation to meet rising demand as the city and surrounding areas grow.

Minister Browne said: "As reflected in our new Housing Action Plan, 'Delivering Homes, Building Communities', infrastructure is key to meeting our ambitious housing targets. The population of Limerick is projected to grow 50% by 2040, and the upgrade of Bunlicky Wastewater Treatment Plant by Uisce Éireann will play a key role in facilitating the growth of the city and its environs, including the delivery of many more new homes in and around Limerick.

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"Under the revised National Development Plan, a record investment of €12.2 billion is being made in the water sector. The vast majority of this funding will be allocated to Uisce Éireann, to support the delivery of a wide range of projects in our cities and regions. This fantastic new infrastructure for Limerick is a perfect example of this and I look forward to seeing further such positive developments over the lifetime of the NDP."

Uisce Éireann CEO Niall Gleeson welcomed the decision and outlined the path ahead: "We welcome the Cabinet's decision to approve investment for this major upgrade of wastewater infrastructure in Limerick and the wider Mid West region. Delivery of this project will ensure the area is ready to grow and thrive over the next decade and beyond. Uisce Éireann shares Government ambitions for new housing and is committed to doing its part through investment in strategic infrastructure developments such as this and delivering a modern, state of the art wastewater treatment plant that uses the best of today’s engineering, sustainability and innovative technologies. We have commenced engagement with local residents and stakeholders through information sessions as part of the non statutory consultation process and are now preparing our overall planning application which will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála in the coming months."

Uisce Éireann will now develop a Detailed Business Case followed by a Final Business Case, which will confirm full project costs after planning and procurement. A planning application is set to be lodged in the coming months. Subject to timely statutory approvals, construction is expected to begin in 2028.