Cavan towns benefit from waste water investment

136 new wastewater treatment plants built or upgraded since 2014

Virginia and Ballyjamesduff are two of Cavan communities to benefit from Uisce Éireann’s €436m plus investment in wastewater infrastructure across the country in 2023.

The latest EPA Urban Wastewater Treatment Report published on Friday showed the progress being made in tackling long-running issues like raw sewage discharges, while also underlining the need for continued investment in our essential wastewater services.

Approximately, 136 wastewater treatment plants across the country have been constructed or had major upgrades since 2014.

Last year saw Uisce Éireann continue to make progress in priority areas such as locations where there is raw sewage entering the rivers, lakes and the sea, and sites identified by the European Court of Justice under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

The building, repair and upgrading of Ireland’s wastewater treatment plants and sewer network will require a multi-billion euro investment programme over many years. Uisce Éireann has optimised investment decisions by prioritising the best possible service improvements, while maximising value for money.

In Cavan, this investment by Uisce Éireann has led to improved wastewater treatment in a number of communities.

2023 was an important year for the people of Virginia and Ballyjamesduff with works progressing in both areas.

A €33m investment in Virginia Wastewater Treatment plant, serving a population equivalent of 6,000 people, will ensure all wastewater is treated appropriately. The project will also improve the capacity of the network, allowing for current and future population growth and supporting the social and economic development of Virginia. This investment will also safeguard the water quality of Lough Ramor.

Works are also underway on the upgrade of Ballyjamesduff Wastewater Treatment Plant. The €25m investment promises a host of benefits for the community, including enhanced water quality, improved amenity value and compliance with environmental regulations.

However, challenges remain in a small number of areas due to the timelines involved in securing planning and other consents for large infrastructure projects such as wastewater treatment plants, which are often outside Uisce Éireann’s control.

Michael Tinsley, Uisce Éireann’s Senior Wastewater Delivery Manager commented, “Cleaner waters, greater capacity for development and an enhanced environment are just some of the benefits these projects have delivered. We look forward to continuing the excellent progress being made to date, while acknowledging that delays remain in some areas, particularly in relation to legal challenges to planning and other consents, which are largely outside Uisce Éireann’s control.”