Laois community is finally getting extra €1.8 m waste capacity

A big project is underway to increase the capacity of the dated Ballyroan treatment works, which has been unable to properly treat waste for years, something that has held up development and impacted the environment. 

Uisce Éireann is to start work on what it describes as a major upgrade of the local wastewater treatment plant. Set to begin this month, it said these essential works will provide increased treatment capacity to support existing and future development while also delivering key infrastructure to protect the local environment and ensure compliance with Irish and EU legislation.

The project, which Uisce Éireann confirmed to Leinster Express / Laois Live will cost €1.8 million,  will see the capacity of the plant increase by 50% with improvements also on the cards in the treatment process as the current system cannot cope with the load. 

During the planning process, it emerged that the existing wastewater treatment plant was constructed in 2003 with treated effluent being discharged to the Gloreen Stream.

Uisce Éireann told planners that the existing wastewater treatment plant at the town which is part of the Portlaoise Municipal District, was "not capable of handling the existing biological load or the hydraulic load".

An Bord Pleanala was told that the proposed development would upgrade the plant to a design capacity of 900 population equivalent (PE) and to meet the EPA’s Emission Limit Values as set out in the Waste Water Discharge Licence. The existing plant has a 600 PE equivalent capacity.

New wastewater treatment process units will be constructed, which should be good for the environment as the water utility says will also improve the quality of wastewater discharge to the Gloreen Stream, which has been negatively impacted to date.

The project was approved for funding in 2021 after many years of local calls for action.

The summer drought of 2018 forced village's plant to be temporarily shut down after fungal growth was found in the River Gloreen from poorly treated sewage. The river flows into the environmentally protected River Nore. The waste had to be sent in tankers to Portlaoise for several weeks until water levels rose again.

David Sharry, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, highlighted the importance of the investment: “By investing in the wastewater infrastructure in Ballyroan, we are enabling future growth while safeguarding essential services for current and future generations.

“A key priority at Uisce Éireann remains the protection of our environment. This critical investment affirms our commitment, which will improve the health and integrity of the environment,” he said.

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Uisce Éireann said this project will include the construction of new stormwater and sludge tanks, installation of a new treatment system, upgrading of pipes, along with mechanical and electrical upgrades.

The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Conway Engineering and are expected to be completed in Autumn 2026.

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Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit www.water.ie