'Critical' upgrade plans for Laois Wastewater Treatment Plant

Plans have been lodged with Laois County Council to upgrade the Borris-in-Ossory Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Uisce Éireann has sought planning permission for the works at the Laois facility at Townparks. The proposed works include the demolition of existing redundant structures and the construction of new inlet works, aeration tanks and clarifiers with flow splitter chamber, air blowers, sludge wasting pumps and sludge return pumps. The utility company is also seeking permission for sludge drying reed beds; upgrades to mechanical and electrical components of existing tanks and the Installation of a GRP kiosk to house an electrical control panel. Permission is also sought for the erection of new boundary fencing around the site and all ancillary site works.

The planning documents outline the need for the project given its critical importance in treating wastewater from the Borris-in-Ossory catchment. Uisce Éireann says the works will improve compliance, maintain capacity, and prolong the operational life of the infrastructure of the existing plant. 

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"The upgrade works will support growth demands in the Borris-in-Ossory agglomeration by improving the treatment processes and quality of final effluent discharges to the River Nore. Future design horizons project growth rates in the agglomeration of up to 900 PE (population equivalent) for the next 10 years and up to 1050 PE over 25 years. The  upgrade works will ensure there are no negative impacts on the receiving environment by upgrading the existing primary treatment process and providing a new secondary treatment process stream," the documents state. 

The local authority is due to make a decision by May 13, 2025.