“We’ve retrieved the heart of the town” - Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant delivers cleaner waters and new community opportunities

The completion of the new Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant has brought a transformative change to the town - enhancing water quality, restoring the Avoca River, and opening new social and recreational opportunities for residents. 

Since becoming operational, the €139 million facility has ended the historic discharge of untreated sewage into the river, delivering a long awaited environmental breakthrough for Arklow. 

Local residents have described the impact as dramatic and immediate, with improvements visible across the town’s natural environment, waterfront amenity, and daily quality of life. 

Tommy Ainsley, Chairman of Arklow Tidy Towns, emphasised the long term change:

“For 30 years we had raw sewage going into the river. Now you can smell fresh air, you can hear the birds singing. The design of the treatment plant has won an award and that has brought the focus on Arklow and it’s all thanks to Uisce Éireann and their design team.”

Sandra Duffy, Arklow Tidy Towns Committee, highlighted the environmental turnaround:

“The river is the heart of the town and now we have retrieved it back, we’ve saved it, thanks to Uisce Éireann… This is a massive boost for our sustainability, biodiversity and wildlife… the river will grow and improve and that means the town will grow and improve.”

Des De Courcey, Caretaker at Arklow Marina Village, says the development has revitalised the harbour area:

“This whole area has been rejuvenated by the plant, and it has really upgraded what was a derelict industrial site. Now we’re looking forward to kids being trained in sailing and rowing and water sports.”

Since the delivery of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Arklow project has been recognised nationally and internationally for its innovation, environmental sensitivity, and design excellence. 

The plant won the International Project of the Year at the British Construction & Infrastructure Awards 2025. It also received the Downes Medal, the highest honour of the Architectural Association of Ireland, for outstanding architectural merit. The plant was further shortlisted for the prestigious Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Public Choice Award 2025.

The distinctive mint green structures, bat friendly louvres, and on site solar farm showcase Uisce Éireann’s commitment to sustainability and thoughtful architectural integration.

The project was also profiled in a film commissioned by the Office of Public Works and screened in The Lighthouse Cinema on February 20 at the Dublin International Film Festival.

The project replaces 19 historic outfalls that previously discharged raw sewage directly into the Avoca River. 

Speaking at the official opening last May, Senior Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, Michael Tinsley said: “The completion of this project has not only addressed these issues but has reshaped the town’s visual identity, blending architecture with the natural beauty of the Avoca River and its surroundings.”

Delivered six months ahead of schedule and on budget, the plant supports a population of 24,000, with capacity to grow to 36,000 - enabling new homes, commercial activity and long term regional development.