Big housing growth in pipeline for Laois town as permission sought for water project
Uisce Éireann says Gragiuecullen and Carlow will grow and thrive if the project proeeds
Further housing growth in one of the fastest expanding towns in Laois is on the cards with confirmation that Uisce Éireann has submitted a planning application for a major upgrade for Carlow and Graiguecullen.
The water utility has applied to An Coimisiún Pleanála for a major upgrade of the Carlow (Mortarstown) Wastewater Treatment Plant, which it describes as a significant investment that will provide the additional capacity needed to support long-term growth and development in Carlow town and surrounding areas, including Graiguecullen and parts of Crosneen in Co Laois.
The authority also says the upgrade will improve water quality in the River Barrow, delivering benefits for the environment, local biodiversity and recreational use of the river.
A statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live said the project proposes increasing the treatment plant’s capacity from its current population equivalent (pe) of 38,000 to 58,000. It claims this will ensure it can meet future demand as the region grows. Upgrades to the treatment process are also included to maintain environmental compliance and deliver improved water quality outcomes for the River Barrow.
Paul Fallon is the Wastewater Portfolio Delivery Manager with Uisce Éireann, said the submission of a plan is a major milestone.
“This important upgrade will ensure the town has the robust and modern wastewater infrastructure it needs to grow and thrive, while also strengthening the protection of the River Barrow. We are committed to progressing this project and to keeping the local community informed as it advances,” it said.
The State-owned company said its submission made on July 16 follows an early engagement process that included public consultation and briefings with elected representatives and stakeholders, whose feedback, it is claimed, helped to inform the design now submitted for planning approval.
Subject to planning approval, Uisce Éireann will move forward with the next stages of the project, including procurement and construction. Uisce Éireann remains committed to delivering infrastructure that meets the needs of growing communities, protects our environment, and supports long-term regional resilience.
Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland.
The news follows the recent rezoning of land by Laois County Council for housing, including property in Graiguecullen. The changes to the development plan came on foot of a direction from the Government to fee up land for new homes.
Issues facing Graiguecullen and other Laois towns were raised in the Dáil by Laois TD Brian Stanley.
“Uisce Éireann earmarked four villages in Laois for its small villages and towns scheme. One has been done in Ballyroan, and I welcome this, but those in Borris-in-Ossory, Ballinakill and Ballybrittas have not. They were all earmarked by Uisce Éireann. Somebody needs to intervene to tell Uisce Éireann that these need to be upgraded. In the case of Borris-in-Ossory, 160 extra houses are planned for the extra land. There are 56 planned for Ballinakill and 437 for Graiguecullen. These cannot be provided without the infrastructure,” he said.
He claimed Graiguecullen, Borris-in-Ossory, and Ballinakill are all in the red.
“They have been labelled as red by Uisce Éireann in terms of wastewater; in other words, no development can take place. The lands and the extra houses in each of these areas that I mentioned are in addition to what is already under construction or what is already zoned. We need to strengthen our villages and towns,” he said.
Dep Stanley said Laois County Council was not ‘behind the curve’ when it came to facilitating housing, but the local authority needs help from the Government and Uisce Éireann.
Carlow-Graiguecullen is a designated ‘Key Town’ in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region. Laois County Council fed into a joint plan for Carlow and Graigue in 2024. The adopted plan will apply to 2030.
In the 2022 Census, Graiguecullen's settlement population reached 4,855 people, an increase of +3.5% from 2016.