A €139 million wastewater project in Arklow has brought an end to decades of raw sewage discharges into the Avoca River, markedly improving water quality and creating new opportunities for social and recreational use.

Now fully operational, the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant is being credited locally with transforming the town's environment, restoring the river's health and enhancing daily life along the waterfront.

Tommy Ainsley, Chairman of Arklow Tidy Towns, said: "For 30 years we had raw sewage going into the river. Now you can smell fresh air, you can hear the birds singing. The design of the treatment plant has won an award and that has brought the focus on Arklow and it's all thanks to Uisce Éireann and their design team."

Sandra Duffy, of the Arklow Tidy Towns Committee, described a dramatic turnaround for nature and the community: "The river is the heart of the town and now we have retrieved it back, we've saved it, thanks to Uisce Éireann… This is a massive boost for our sustainability, biodiversity and wildlife… the river will grow and improve and that means the town will grow and improve."

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At the harbour, benefits are also being felt. Des De Courcey, Caretaker at Arklow Marina Village, said: "This whole area has been rejuvenated by the plant, and it has really upgraded what was a derelict industrial site. Now we're looking forward to kids being trained in sailing and rowing and water sports."

The scheme has attracted national and international recognition for its innovation, environmental sensitivity and design. It won International Project of the Year at the British Construction & Infrastructure Awards 2025, received the Architectural Association of Ireland's Downes Medal for outstanding architectural merit, and was shortlisted for the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Public Choice Award 2025.

Features such as the distinctive mint green structures, bat friendly louvres and an on-site solar farm underline Uisce Éireann's focus on sustainability and careful integration with the local landscape.

The project was also profiled in a film commissioned by the Office of Public Works and screened at The Lighthouse Cinema on 20 February during the Dublin International Film Festival.

In engineering terms, the plant replaces 19 historic outfalls that previously discharged untreated wastewater directly into the Avoca River. Speaking at the official opening last May, Senior Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, Michael Tinsley said: "The completion of this project has not only addressed these issues but has reshaped the town's visual identity, blending architecture with the natural beauty of the Avoca River and its surroundings."

Delivered six months ahead of schedule and on budget, the facility serves a population of 24,000 with the capacity to expand to 36,000, supporting new housing, business activity and long-term regional growth.