Significant milestone reached in multi-million-euro upgrade of Whitegate Water Treatment Plant
Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section.
Uisce Éireann continues to make progress on the long-term upgrade of Whitegate Water Treatment Plant (WTP) The significant investment of €22 million will improve resilience in the Whitegate water supply, address the risks to the water quality, protect the environment and support sustainable growth and development in the area.
The project involves the decommissioning of the existing plant and its associated structures as well as the construction of a new facility and related infrastructure in Whitegate. With much of the works already completed, crews are not slowing down - mechanical and electrical installation works are ongoing, as well as building cladding works. This project is expected to be completed and fully operational by the end of 2026, providing a more reliable water supply and improved water quality for the local community.
Highlighting the importance of the project and progress made to date, Hugh Kennedy, Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: "As the local community are aware, the upgrade of Whitegate Water Treatment Plant is a crucial piece of infrastructure for East Cork. We are delighted that works are progressing on schedule to improve the resilience and quality of drinking water in Whitegate. We are making steady progress on this vital project, which will bring significant benefits to the local community and the surrounding areas. Uisce Éireann would like to thank the local community for their continued patience and ongoing support as we complete this essential project.”
Alongside the water treatment plant upgrade, another investment in the locality - the €17m Whitegate-Aghada sewerage scheme upgrade, which commenced in 2022 is now nearing completion. This investment brings further environmental and social and economic benefits to the area.
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 our website.
For further information about the works, please visit our dedicated project webpage at Whitegate Water Treatment Plant Upgrade.
3D render of the new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) at Whitegate, Co. Cork.
Previous Updates
Uisce Éireann is delighted to announce the commencement of an upgrade at Whitegate Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The upgrade will ensure a safe, secure, and reliable supply of drinking water to approximately 10,300 people served by the Whitegate Regional Water Supply.
This significant investment, 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 6 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.
Commenting on the benefits of the project, Programme Manager for Uisce Éireann, Hugh Kennedy said: “We’re delighted to be progressing with this important project. 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.”
He continued: “Uisce Éireann would like to remind customers 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.”
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, 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. We will endeavour to keep stakeholders updated as the project progresses.
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.
For further information, please visit our dedicated project webpage.
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