€42 million wastewater investment supports growing East Cork communities

The completion of the €13.5 million upgrade to Castlemartyr Wastewater Treatment Plant means Castlemartyr now has the wastewater infrastructure needed to support housing and future growth, while delivering improvements to the water quality in the River Kiltha. The upgrade has increased treatment capacity from 2,000 to 3,400 population equivalent, which is the equivalent of approximately 500 new homes. The Castlemartyr upgrade follows the recent completion of the Ballycotton and Whitegate-Aghada Sewerage Schemes. Together, the projects represent an investment of over €42 million in strengthening wastewater infrastructure across East Cork, providing the capacity and resilience needed to support homes, businesses and the continued sustainable growth of local communities.

Welcoming the completion of the Castlemartyr upgrade, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne said: “We have to invest in modern, resilient wastewater infrastructure. It’s essential to support homes, businesses and for communities to develop. “The increased treatment capacity in Castlemartyr can now support future housing delivery and sustainable growth - and I am determined to see this happen. “Crucially, this investment is a shared commitment to safeguarding the environment while at the same time unlocking housing and services for Castlemartyr and the surrounding areas.”

Esther White, Programme Manager, Uisce Éireann said: “This investment is about much more than upgrading a wastewater treatment plant. It is about putting the essential infrastructure in place to help Castlemartyr grow and thrive, supporting new homes and development while improving water quality in the River Kiltha and delivering lasting benefits for the local environment." 

“Together, the completion of this €13.5 million upgrade, alongside recently completed wastewater projects in Ballycotton and Whitegate-Aghada, are creating the capacity and resilience needed across East Cork.”

The project was delivered in collaboration with our delivery partner, EPS Ltd. The wastewater upgrade included new inlet works, a new storm tank, enhanced treatment processes, and a connection to the existing outfall pipe. Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.