Foynes Sewerage Scheme

Uisce Éireann is planning to construct a new wastewater treatment plant in Foynes, Co. Limerick and eliminate the discharge of raw sewage into the Shannon Estuary.

Foynes town is included on the original EPA Untreated Agglomeration list of 50.

The current situation in Foynes results in untreated effluent being discharged to the Shannon Estuary via a Tidal Tank located within the town’s dock yards. In addition, the discharge from this tidal tank is no longer tidally controlled, and discharges occur throughout the tidal cycle as liquid in the tank is displaced by incoming flow. 

This results in non-compliant discharges of wastewater into the River Shannon Estuary and River Fergus Estuaries SPA and the Lower River Shannon SAC. It is essential to build new infrastructure and upgrade existing infrastructure so that these sensitive areas are protected.

Uisce Éireann is progressing with plans for the proposed Foynes Sewerage Scheme in Co. Limerick. Works include A new 1,000PE Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), 3.5km of new pipelines to convey wastewater to and from the new treatment plant site, an upgraded terminal pumping station with storm storage and an extension to the existing marine outfall will be constructed. 

EPS Water Contractors are carrying out these works on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
 

The scheme involves the design and construction of the following works:

• Construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, which will serve a population equivalent of approximately 1000.
• The existing Terminal Pumping Station on Woodvale Road will be upgraded and modernized to meet operational safety requirements. The proposed TPS upgrade will be designed to pass forward flows to the new WWTP located on Corgrigg Road.
• New pipelines will be constructed to link the various elements of the projects. The pipes will be installed by a combination of trenched and trenchless methods.
   

• Better health and integrity of the environment
• Improved water quality in the Shannon Estuary
• Protection of recreational waters for swimming, surfing, fishing, boating, and sightseeing
• Cleaner water will enhance Foyne’s amenity value and act as a platform for social and economic development to the area
• New wastewater treatment plant and infrastructure will be sized to accommodate future population growth
• Ensure compliance with national and EU regulations relating to the treatment of wastewater
   

A planning application is currently being prepared by UÉ with the intention to submit to Limerick County Council in October 2026.  Following approval construction works are due to commence in Q2 2027 and the project is due for completion by Q2 2030.