Portlaoise gets go-ahead for major sewage treatment upgrade 

A MAJOR once in a generation upgrade of the Portlaoise Wastewater Treatment Plant has received a green light.

Uisce Éireann has been granted planning permission for the multi-million euro project, which will pave the way for the development of new housing and enterprise.

The planning approval announced on Monday 20 April will increase the capacity of the town’s sewage treatment plant to a population equivalent of over 45,000, which Uisce Éireann says will ensure it can meet the needs of the rapidly growing town for at least the next 25 years.

Uisce Éireann described the development as ‘a transformative investment that will future proof wastewater infrastructure in the midlands town, support sustainable growth and development and protect the local environment’.

According to the water utility, 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.

Commenting on the planning approval, housing minister James Browne said the investment would ‘provide the critical infrastructure needed to support housing delivery and sustainable development in the area’. He added that it would also play an important role in meeting future demand, while safeguarding the River Triogue and the wider environment.

Uisce Éireann's portfolio manager Paul Fallon said: 'We’re delighted to forge ahead with this much-needed project for the community.  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.

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

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 aim help reduce the plant’s environmental impact, while supporting nature locally.

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.

Uisce Éireann said: ‘Together, these improvements will deliver a more resilient, efficient and environmentally responsible wastewater treatment plant for Portlaoise.’