Nenagh wastewater plant to get €49m upgrade after Tipperary County Council approval
Upgrade to expand capacity, improve river water quality and support future town growth
Tipperary County Council has granted planning permission for a €49 million upgrade of the Nenagh Wastewater Treatment Plant, marking a major investment in the town’s infrastructure and environmental protection.
The project, led by Uisce Éireann, will expand the plant’s capacity from 12,000 to 19,800 population equivalent, enabling it to meet the needs of a growing population and ensure compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and EPA licensing requirements.
According to Uisce Éireann, the upgrade will deliver multiple long-term benefits for the area, including improved water quality in the Nenagh River, enhanced local amenities, and a stronger foundation for social and economic development.
The works will involve the construction of a new inlet pumping station and the modernisation of treatment processes, including preliminary, secondary, and tertiary systems.
The project also includes the installation of stormwater holding tanks with a total capacity of 3,000 cubic metres, a new ferric dosing plant, a sludge import system with centrifuges, refurbishment of the control building, and the addition of a new ESB substation and permanent site generator. Site-wide flood protection and attenuation measures are also planned.
With planning approval now in place, Uisce Éireann will move ahead with finalising the design and preparing for the construction phase. EPS will deliver the project on the utility’s behalf.
Esther White, Uisce Éireann’s Portfolio Manager, said: “We’re delighted to forge ahead with this much-needed project for the community in Nenagh. This major investment will expand capacity at the wastewater treatment plant from 12,000 to 19,800 population equivalent, ensuring the town and its environs have the vital wastewater infrastructure to grow and thrive.
It will support to unlock the town’s growth, which is key to the delivery of new homes and businesses, while also protecting the local environment and enhancing the area for everyone.”
The Nenagh upgrade forms part of Uisce Éireann’s ongoing multimillion-euro investment in wastewater infrastructure across County Tipperary. Recent projects have been completed in Newport, Ballina, and Cahir, with upgrades continuing in Fethard, network investigations under way in Thurles, and planning under review for Grangemockler and Kilsheelan.