Works start on €22m upgrade of East Cork water treatment plant

Uisce Éireann has announced the commencement of a €22m upgrade at Whitegate water treatment plant which the water utility company said will ensure a safe, secure, and reliable supply of drinking water to approximately 10,300 people served by the water supply.

The company said the upgrade, which is being carried out in partnership with Cork County Council, will “address risks to water quality by providing enhanced treatment facilities at a brand-new water treatment plant” which will provide six million litres of water per day.

The new plant will be located on a site adjacent to the existing Kilva plant which will be decommissioned.

“We’re delighted to be progressing with this important project,” programme manager for Uisce Éireann, Hugh Kennedy, said.

“The issues with water quality are well known to the people of Whitegate and surrounding areas who have had to endure persistent boil water notices.

“This new and improved infrastructure will address these issues and enable the community to enjoy a reliable and safe water supply into the future.” 

Mr Kennedy said Uisce Éireann would like to remind locals that the boil water notice remains in place.

“We recognise the significant inconvenience this causes to impacted customers and would like to thank everyone for their patience and ongoing support while we advance this critical project for the benefit of the community,” he added.

Facilities at the new water treatment plant will include the construction of a 450,000-litre raw water balancing tank; a clear water tank; a new coagulation, flocculation, and clarification system; a new filtration system; and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection.

Once complete, Uisce Éireann said the project will ensure Whitegate’s water supply remains compliant with national and EU drinking water regulations.

The works are being carried out by Glanua on behalf of Uisce Éireann and are due for completion in 2026.

Uisce Éireann said it would endeavour to keep stakeholders updated as the project progresses.

For further information, see www.water.ie/projects/local-projects/whitegate-water-treatment-plant-upgrade/.