Uisce Éireann has announced the completion of a €550 million upgrade to the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), a critical infrastructure project designed to support the sustainable development of the Greater Dublin Area.

The plant, which treats 40% of all public wastewater in Ireland, now has the capacity to serve the equivalent of 2.4 million people.

Since its previous upgrade in 2005, the facility has frequently operated beyond its design capacity due to rapid economic and population growth. This latest project introduces advanced nutrient removal technology, ensuring the plant meets the standards of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. These improvements significantly enhance the water quality in the Lower Liffey Estuary and Dublin Bay, benefiting local wildlife and the public.

Serving all four Dublin local authorities as well as parts of Meath and Kildare, the upgrade is the first of two major strategic investments for the region. Work is already underway on the Greater Dublin Drainage (GDD) project, which will further alleviate pressure on the Ringsend facility by providing additional network and treatment capacity.

James Browne T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, said: "The upgrade of the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant represents the State's largest-ever investment in wastewater treatment and directly responds to the demands of a growing population as well as to EU obligations and environmental needs. This project not only enables compliance with our EU obligations, but also ensures that communities, homes, and businesses across the Greater Dublin Area can continue to grow sustainably. I want to acknowledge Uisce Éireann's significant work in delivering this complex upgrade on time and on budget, while keeping the plant fully operational. The Government is providing unprecedented levels of funding for water infrastructure under the National Development Plan, and many more projects are being progressed to facilitate economic growth and housing delivery, while protecting our environment."

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The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, said: "The completion of the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant is a milestone for our city – protecting Dublin Bay, supporting sustainable growth, and strengthening the foundations of a cleaner, greener, more resilient Dublin. This investment reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations while ensuring our capital continues to thrive."

CEO of Uisce Éireann Niall Gleeson commented: "This is a landmark day for the Greater Dublin Area and for Ireland's environmental future. Rapid population growth, sustained economic expansion, and intensified development had placed substantial and ongoing pressure on Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant – pushing it well beyond its original design capacity. The completion of Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant allows Ireland to meet its urban wastewater standards to protect the environment and will allow for the region to continue to grow, providing much needed water infrastructure for homes and businesses. This completion is the first of two critical projects; work has already begun on the Greater Dublin Drainage (GDD) project, which will provide additional network and treatment capacity for communities so that Ringsend is no longer required to manage the full load of the Greater Dublin Area. The delivery of these strategic investments will secure the resilience of the region's wastewater services for decades to come."