Glin Sewerage Scheme

Uisce Éireann is planning to construct a new wastewater treatment plant in Glin, Co. Limerick and eliminate the discharge of raw sewage into the Shannon Estuary. 

The existing Glin sewerage network and tidal tank, constructed in 1934 with a design load of 272PE, are overloaded and no longer comply with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations. The untreated wastewater from the Glin area and its environs are currently discharging to the Shannon Estuary near Knockaranna Point, approximately 400m away from the Glin Pier which is nominated by LCCC to be a designated bathing area.

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Limerick City and County Council, is progressing with plans for the proposed Glin Sewerage Scheme in Co. Limerick. This project involves the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and sewerage infrastructure and will eliminate the discharge of untreated wastewater into the Shannon Estuary.
EPS Water Contractors are carrying out these works on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
 

The scheme involves the design and construction of the following works:

• New Terminal Pumping Station (TPS) - The proposed Town Park terminal pumping station will be designed to pass forward flows to the proposed WWTP. A new rising main approximately 850m in length will be designed and installed from the terminal pump station to the Inlet Works of the proposed WWTP.
  New Glin pipelines & sea outfalls - Two new gravity pipelines will be installed to carry flows from the WWTP’s tidal tank to the marine outfall, and from the Terminal Pump Station stormwater tank overflow to the marine outfall. The selected location of the marine outfalls is to the west of the TPS. This location avoids the mouth of River Glencorbry and is located further downstream of the existing outfall to negate impacts on the bathing waters.
• New Glin Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) - A new wastewater treatment plant is to be constructed in the townland of Caheragh. The proposed WWTP will be located approximately 800 m from the terminal pump station.

• Better health and integrity of the environment
• Improved water quality in the Shannon Estuary
• Protection of recreational waters for swimming, surfing, fishing, boating, and sightseeing
• Cleaner water will enhance Glin’s amenity value and act as a platform for social and economic development to the area
• New wastewater treatment plant and infrastructure will be sized to accommodate future population growth
• Ensure compliance with national and EU regulations relating to the treatment of wastewater
   

A planning application is currently being prepared by UÉ with the intention to submit to Limerick County Council in August 2025. This submission is dependent on the approval of a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) application to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), which must be approved prior to planning submission. The MAC will give consent to construct the twin sea outfalls in Glin which are both over 400m long and will carry the treated wastewater further into the Shannon estuary for adequate dilution. Following planning approval, construction works are scheduled to commence in Q3 2026.