Laois river cleaner thanks to Ballinakill sewerage works claims Irish Water

Irish Water is commencing work to upgrade the Ballinakill Wastewater Treatment Plant in Laois.

The €50,000 investment will improve the level of treatment at the plant and improve the discharge quality of treated water from the plant into the River Ballymaddock.

The project includes the installation of a new ferric dosing system for the removal of phosphorus from the wastewater.

Irish Water says the removal of phosphorus during the wastewater treatment process will improve the water quality in the receiving waters as the discharge of treated water from the plant is improved. The utility says This benefits the environment for those using the river for recreational activities and for the wildlife and ecosystems that live in the river and along the river banks.

Work began in December 2017 and will be completed in February 2018. CSL will be carrying out the works on behalf of Irish Water.

The investment in the Balllinakill Wastewater Treatment Plant ensures that Irish Water is fully compliant with the EU Urban Wastewater Directives. Peter Flood is Capital Programmes Lead for Irish Water in the East and Midlands. “The quality of the treated water discharged from the plant will be improved. The removal of phosphorus improves the quality of the water in the Ballymaddock River.

"Benefiting the environment for everyone who uses the river and the wildlife living and along it. Irish Water is investing our wastewater treatment plants to ensure they comply with EU Urban Wastewater Directives and to protect and benefit the environment,” he said.