Work begins to improve water in Macroom area

Uisce Éireann has started work on a €6.5m upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant in Macroom.

The project is being carried out by Glanua on behalf of Uisce Éireann and works are due to be completed by the summer of 2026.

An Uisce Éireann spokesperson said that the upgrade will provide a safer and more reliable water supply for approximately 4,000 customers, ensure a more resilient water supply, and improving drinking water quality, ensure compliance with current national and EU drinking water regulations, and contribute to the removal of Macroom public water supply from the EPA’s Remedial Action List.

Sinn Féin senator Nicole Ryan said the investment is welcome.

“There have been issues with water in Macroom for the last two to nearly three years, so thankfully something is being done about that,” she told The Echo.

She added that if the population of Macroom increases any further, she hopes “that Uisce Éireann keeps up with that infrastructure”.

Speaking recently, Fianna Fáil Cork North West TD Aindrias Moynihan described the news as long overdue for the town of Macroom and the surrounding areas.

“There is a lot of work ahead, and it will be important to keep after Uisce Éireann, but finally there is a clear roadmap ahead to deal with the repeated boil water notices locals have endured in recent years.

“There is a good bit of work to go on it yet,” Mr Moynihan said.

“But, it is a chance to finally get rid of these boil water notices and poor drinking water quality that people have endured in the Canovee, Carrigadrohid, and Macroom area.”

Uisce Éireann aims to keep all stakeholders informed as they progress with this water supply project.

Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278278 if they have any questions about the project or visit www.water.ie.