Uisce Éireann has been granted planning permission for a major upgrade of a water treatment plant in Laois.

The semi-state body have said that this investment will future-proof wastewater infrastructure in the Portlaoise Wastewater Treatment Plant on the Ridge road.

They say that this development will support sustainable growth and development, and protect the local environment. 

This 'once‑in‑a‑generation' upgrade will increase the capacity of wastewater treatment in the town to population equivalent of over 45,000, ensuring it can meet the needs of the growing community for at least the next 25 years.

Pictured: Portlaoise's wastewater treatment plant.

The current treatment plant serves a population equivalent to 39,000, and the remaining capacity of the plant is diminishing due to the growth of the surrounding area.

The project will also deliver improved treatment standards, contributing to enhanced water quality in the River Triogue and ensuring compliance with national and European wastewater regulations. 

"This investment to upgrade the Portlaoise Wastewater Treatment Plant will provide the critical infrastructure needed to support housing delivery and sustainable development in the area," said Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD.

"Ensuring communities have the wastewater capacity required to grow is central to this Government’s priorities, and this project will play an important role in meeting future demand while safeguarding the River Triogue and the wider environment.” 

Paul Fallon, Portfolio Manager also welcomed this development.

"We’re delighted to forge ahead with this much-needed project for the community," Mr Fallon said.

"This significant upgrade to the Portlaoise Wastewater Treatment Plant is about future-proofing essential wastewater infrastructure so the town can continue to grow and thrive in a sustainable way," he said.

Portlaoise's wastewater treatment plant. Credit: The Murphy Group

"Once complete, the upgraded plant will provide the additional treatment capacity required to support future development, while ensuring compliance with environmental standards.”  

With planning approval now secured, Uisce Éireann will progress to the next phase of the project, including detailed design and preparation for construction. 

Uisce Éireann have said that the upgrade has been designed with sustainability at its core, including the use of renewable energy through an on-site solar array and the creation of a dedicated biodiversity enhancement area.

"These measures will help reduce the plant’s environmental impact while supporting nature locally," a spokesperson said.

The project will also modernise and expand the existing facility to improve how wastewater is treated and managed, including increased storage and additional treatment capacity to support future growth.

"Together, these improvements will deliver a more resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible wastewater treatment plant for Portlaoise," Uisce Éireann finished.

The development will consist of: An additional stormwater storage tank, a new inlet works,  three primary settlement tanks,  three new aeration tanks, four new final settlement tanks and the decommissioning and demolishing of two existing final settlement tanks, two new tertiary filters, a sludge storage tank for primary sludge, an additional centrifuge for sludge dewatering,  minor chambers and sumps, odour control measures, solar PV panels, a Biodiversity Enhancement Area,”  

In late 2021, Irish Water announced its intention to create more capacity at the Portlaoise plant due to ever growing demand. 

At the time, Irish Water confirmed that it is working in partnership with Laois County Council to upgrade the Portlaoise Wastewater Treatment Plant on the Ridge Road.

The Murphy construction group completed the design and build expansion of the plant in 2009.

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It said the project delivered a capacity upgrade at the plant from 26,000 population equivalent to 39,000 population equivalent in addition to developing the site as a sludge hub for final processing of sludge from across the midlands region.

In 2011, the facility underwent a near €20 million major modernisation.

In 2021, Murphy said that prior to this project development in the town of Portlaoise had been greatly hindered by a lack of adequate wastewater treatment infrastructure. Murphy had an agreement to continue to manage the facility until 2029.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland.