Anchoring Growth: €12.5m upgrade at Killybegs Water Treatment Plant completed

More than 4,000 Uisce Éireann customers in Killybegs and the surrounding area are benefiting from a more reliable and resilient water supply following the completion of a major €12.5 million upgrade to Killybegs Water Treatment Plant. The investment has strengthened the infrastructure serving homes, businesses, and industry in Ireland's largest fishing port, while helping to secure a sustainable drinking water supply for the community for years to come.

The €12.5 million investment addressed capacity constraints at the existing facility and included the delivery of new water treatment infrastructure. The upgraded plant is now better equipped to support the needs of local homes, businesses and industry, including the town's internationally renowned fishing and seafood processing sector.

To mark the occasion, Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Charlie McConalogue TD, joined elected representatives, our project team in Uisce Éireann and delivery partners at a special event in Killybegs this morning.

Welcoming the completion of the upgrade works, Minister Charlie McConalogue said:

"This investment is a significant milestone for Killybegs and the wider region. Reliable water infrastructure is essential for thriving communities and successful businesses, and nowhere is that more evident than in Ireland's largest fishing port. This upgrade will provide confidence and certainty for local families, support employment, and help ensure businesses have the essential services they need to operate and succeed. I want to commend Uisce Éireann and everyone involved in delivering this important project for the people of Killybegs."

John McElwaine, Programme Manager, Uisce Éireann, added:

"We are delighted to have completed this significant investment for Killybegs. This upgrade is already delivering benefits for customers through a more reliable and resilient water supply, while ensuring the infrastructure is in place to support the needs of the community and local industry for years to come. Projects like this are essential to maintaining high-quality water services and reflect Uisce Éireann's continued commitment to investing in communities across Donegal."

The importance of the upgrade for the local fishing industry was highlighted by Brendan Byrne, Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association (IFPEA), who said:

"The completion of these works is very welcome and represents an important investment in the future of Killybegs. Water is a critical utility for seafood processing operations and for the wider business community. Having a modern, reliable water treatment facility provides reassurance to companies operating in the area and supports the continued success and competitiveness of one of Ireland's most important seafood hubs. We commend Uisce Éireann for delivering this significant project and for its ongoing engagement with industry throughout the process."

The upgrade was delivered by EPS Group on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

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.