Uisce Éireann is commencing construction this June on a significant €5.9 million project to modernise the wastewater network in Wicklow Town. The development aims to support local economic and social growth, safeguard the environment, and provide long-term advantages for the local population.

As Wicklow experiences ongoing expansion, its wastewater infrastructure requires vital improvements to ensure it can consistently adhere to environmental guidelines and accommodate future requirements. This includes planned housing developments designed to help the town and its residents prosper.

Focussed on the Bollarney area of the town, the scheme will upgrade the existing network and boost overall capacity to supply reliable, sustainable, and high-quality wastewater services.

The construction phase will stretch along the R750 from Bollarney Woods to Abbey Street, requiring the installation of 800 metres of new sewer pipeline. Initial operations are scheduled to start on 8 June within the pumping station. To minimise disruption for students undertaking State examinations, works will not progress onto the public street until 15 June.

A subsequent phase of the scheme, which involves upgrading the Bollarney Pumping Station, is anticipated to start in 2027, subject to receiving planning permission. This upcoming phase will deliver further network resilience and additional wastewater capacity.

Coffey Construction will deliver the initial phase of the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann, with completion anticipated by the end of the summer.

-- Advertisement --

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris said: "Reliable water and wastewater infrastructure is essential if we are to deliver the homes and sustainable growth our communities need. Through the significant investment being made in Uisce Éireann under the National Development Plan, this Government is determined to ensure towns and communities have the infrastructure required to grow and prosper.

"As Tánaiste and as a TD for Wicklow, I am delighted to see this major investment getting under way in Wicklow Town. This project will be a game changer for South Wicklow - supporting future housing delivery, strengthening local infrastructure, protecting the environment and creating the capacity needed for communities to expand and thrive in the years ahead.

"This investment is about planning for the future and ensuring Wicklow continues to be an attractive place to live, work and raise a family. I want to thank Uisce Éireann, Coffey Construction and everyone involved in bringing this important project forward, and I look forward to seeing the long-term benefits it will deliver for our communities."

James Browne T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, also welcomed the rollout of the essential infrastructure in the Wicklow Town district. "The commencement of this project is very welcome news for the community in Wicklow Town. Improvements in the capacity of the wastewater network will bring tangible benefits and provide the required infrastructure to service existing and new developments in the area, including much-needed new housing.

"Continued investment in public wastewater services is essential to facilitating housing delivery as provided for under to our new Housing Action Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, this investment is bringing new homes on stream. That is why in the most recent Budget and through the National Development Plan we have increased Uisce Éireann's funding to accelerate the delivery of water infrastructure and support the development of new homes across the country."

Michael Donoghue, Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann, added: "These works mark the beginning of a programme to upgrade Wicklow's wastewater network, enhance its capacity and resilience and ensure its long-term reliability. We're committed to delivering this upgrade as efficiently as possible while minimising disruption for the local community. We appreciate everyone's continued patience and cooperation as we carry out this important phase of work."

Uisce Éireann holds responsibility for managing public drinking water and wastewater utilities across Ireland. The body remains dedicated to helping communities flourish by regularly upgrading and expanding vital infrastructure to underpin sustainable regional growth, supply safe drinking water, and protect the natural environment.