Major upgrade confirmed for Carlow's Mortarstown Wastewater Treatment Plant

Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, John McGuinness, has today warmly welcomed the commencement of the public consultation process for the major upgrade of the Mortarstown Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP), a critical infrastructure project for the future of Carlow.

Deputy McGuinness stated that the strategic investment by Uisce Eireann will be transformative for the community, enabling housing, supporting economic development, and significantly enhancing the local environment.

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"This is a landmark project for Carlow," said Deputy McGuinness. "For too long, the capacity of our infrastructure has limited our potential. This comprehensive upgrade of the Mortarstown plant is the key that will unlock future growth and development for our town and the surrounding area.

"It will cater for our expected population increase and, most importantly, it will provide a cleaner environment for all."

The project will deliver a wide range of benefits, including:

• Enabling future residential and commercial development in the community.
• Enhancing Carlow's amenity value and acting as a platform for social and economic progress.
• Significantly improving water quality in the River Barrow, benefiting the environment, local ecology, and vital sporting and tourism activities.
• Ensuring wastewater is treated to the highest standards in line with EU directives and EPA licensing.

Project Details and Timeline:

The proposed upgrade involves a complete overhaul of the facility, including new inlet works, advanced biological treatment systems, new stormwater storage facilities, a new sludge dewatering system, and a new 900mm outfall line. A new pumping station will also be constructed next to the existing plant.

The project has been designated as Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID), meaning the planning application will be made directly to An Coimisiun Pleanála. The submission is expected by the end of 2025 or early 2026. Subject to planning approval, construction is estimated to begin in 2028.

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Engagement with the Community

Deputy McGuinness is encouraging all constituents to engage with the non-statutory public consultation process that begins today, Monday, 22 September, and runs for four weeks until Sunday, 19 October.

"It is vital that the local community has its say on these proposals at this early stage" Deputy McGuinness emphasised. "I strongly urge residents and stakeholders to review the plans, attend the public information event, and provide their feedback. This input will be crucial in shaping the final project that is submitted for planning."

Public Information Event

Uisce Eireann will host a public information event where the project team will be available to answer questions:

• Date: Thursday, 9 October 2025
• Time: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Venue: Seven Oaks Hotel and Leisure Club, Athy Road, Carlow, R93 V4K5

Full details of the project are available on the dedicated project website, which went live today: www.mortarstownwwtp.ie. Feedback can also be submitted via email to mortarstownwwtp@water.ie.

"This project is a clear demonstration of this government's commitment to investing in essential regional infrastructure. I will be following its progress closely and working to ensure it delivers the maximum benefit for the people of Carlow in the shortest possible time frame." concluded Deputy McGuinness.