Uisce Éireann’s €34m investment in Mallow wastewater infrastructure to promote growth while protecting the River Blackwater

A group of people standing together and cutting a blue ribbon

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Cork County Council, has completed upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and sewer network in Mallow which represents a €34m investment in wastewater infrastructure. The investment will support social and economic growth in Mallow – enabling the local community to thrive while protecting the River Blackwater.

Speaking at a completion event held today at Mallow Wastewater Treatment Plant, Chief Operations Officer with Uisce Éireann, Eamon Gallen said:

“We are proud to have delivered these two important projects for the people of Mallow. We first began working in Mallow over two years ago and I want to thank the local community for their patience. Replacing sewer networks requires a lot of co-ordination and road closures, but this was a vital step to deliver the upgraded wastewater infrastructure that is now in place. This infrastructure will allow Mallow and surrounding areas to thrive now and into the future, eliminate sewer overflows and improve the water quality in the River Blackwater, ensuring environmental compliance with national and EU regulations related to the treatment of wastewater.”

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn said,

I am delighted to be here to witness the successful completion and official opening of Mallow Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Mallow Sewer Network which marks a €34 million investment in new wastewater infrastructure. Completion of these essential projects is vital to ensure we can accommodate future population growth in Mallow and the surrounding areas. The upgraded treatment plant will ensure that wastewater is adequately treated and meets appropriate standards before being safely discharged back into the great River Blackwater. Both projects combined will enhance local amenities and act as a platform for social and economic development. This is another on-the-ground example of government investment in Cork County yielding significant dividends.

Director and Treasurer of Mallow Chamber of Commerce, Willie John O’Flynn welcomed the positive impact for local businesses, adding, “The provision of adequate wastewater services is an integral factor for local business, particularly for our multinationals, retail and hospitality sectors. As Mallow continues to develop and expand, local economic growth will be underpinned by local investment in infrastructure such as this which allows our communities and businesses expand and thrive. On behalf of Mallow Chamber and the local business community, I would like to commend Uisce Éireann on the completion of these two key parts of our critical infrastructure”.

Deputy Chief Executive Cork County Council, James Fogarty said,

This investment in new wastewater infrastructure will benefit the people of Mallow while catering for future growth. Cork County Council have worked in partnership with Uisce Éireann to bring both projects to completion which are hugely significant from an environmental, economic and social perspective bringing real benefit to local communities.

Uisce Éireann first began work on the original WWTP, which was outdated and overloaded, with Glan Agua back in early 2021. The project also involved the construction of a new pumping station and storm water holding tank at Mallow Bridge. A separate contract to upgrade the wastewater network was signed with Ward & Burke Construction Ltd in early 2021. Work commenced in April 2021 and was completed in January 2023. The overall investment of €34m in these two projects will provide the additional capacity in the wastewater network and at the wastewater treatment plant to cater for current and future development and housing in the Mallow area and will also improve water quality in the River Blackwater through the provision of an enhanced wastewater treatment plant and the removal of eight combined storm overflows.

Uisce Éireann recognises the need to increase efforts to halt the decline of biodiversity and are committed to building infrastructure that protects and, where possible, enhances our ecosystems.The site of the pumping station has been developed with the local environment at the heart. The new underground storage tank at the pumping station has been built with reinforced grass surfacing, using wildflower seed that promotes and cultivates biodiversity.

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 and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit www.water.ie.