Avoca Sewerage Scheme

Uisce Éireann is upgrading the wastewater infrastructure in Avoca, Co. Wicklow.

Uisce Éireann is continuing works on the Avoca Wastewater Treatment Plant Project to end the discharge of untreated wastewater into the Avoca River. 

This project involves the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant which will eliminate the discharge of untreated wastewater into the Avoca River.

The discharge of untreated wastewater threatens water quality, detracts from the amenity value of the area, and does not comply with EU regulations relating to the treatment of wastewater.

Ward and Burke Construction Ltd is delivering the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann with a completion date of 2027. 

Works to deliver the project include:

• Construction of a new wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) at Kilmagig Lower (beside existing wastewater treatment infrastructure located off Tower Avenue).
• Construction of an access road from Tower Avenue.
• Construction of a storm water storage tank.
• Construction of new outfall pipes to the Avoca River.
• Construction of new reed beds which will dewater treated sludge using solar evaporation. This will provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the long-term treatment of sludge from the wastewater. 

• Eliminating the discharge of raw sewage which will significantly improve the water quality in the Avoca River.
• Better health and integrity of the environment.
• The new treatment plant has been sized to accommodate an increase in the local population.
• The new wastewater treatment plant will enhance biodiversity at the site through habitat creation.
• Ensuring compliance with national and EU regulations relating to the treatment of wastewater.

The works have been progressing for the Avoca WWTP project in design, construction and procurement.

After completing the ESB diversion, the diversion of the existing sewer, access road construction, and outfall pipe installation have commenced, and good progress has been made.

Civil works for the flood defence retaining wall, inlet pumping station, storm tank, and aeration tank are also progressing.

We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient but from experience know that short term disruption will give way to long term benefits. We thank the community in advance for their patience.

Works will be largely confined to within the main site at Kilmagig Lower. There will be an increased level of traffic to and from the site which may cause intermittent traffic delays.

Ward and Burke Construction Ltd have appointed Community Liaison Officer to the project, Paul Devaney. Paul can be contacted at 086 085 9101.

We will endeavour to keep the local community and stakeholders informed as this essential project progresses.

This project in Avoca is one example of how Uisce Éireann is working in partnership with Wicklow County Council to protect our environment and support the local community to thrive. In Arklow, works are completed on the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant at North Quay, Ferrybank.