Work underway on €22m upgrade of Offaly water supply schemes

A €22m investment by Irish Water to improve drinking water quality and supply in the wider Tullamore and Birr areas is progressing.

Irish Water is currently working with Offaly County Council on works to upgrade both the Tullamore and Birr Water Supply Schemes.

When completed these schemes will provide a safer and more secure water supply to over 18,000 homes and businesses in Offaly and part of Laois.

This project involves the construction of two new water treatment plants and additional reservoirs for both the Birr and Tullamore Water Supply Schemes.

The project, which is being carried out by Murphy Process Engineering Limited on behalf of Irish Water, is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2021.

The plans include the development of a new water treatment plant at Ardan in Tullamore, the development of groundwater sources at Ardan and a 2,500m³ treated water storage reservoir at Ardan.

In Clonaslee, a new water treatment plant and groundwater sources at Clonaslee are being development and there is a new water abstraction from the Camcor River in Birr with associated pumping infrastructure, a new water treatment plant at Birr and a new treated water storage resorvoir.

Commenting on the project, Denise Treacy, Infrastructure Programme Lead at Irish Water, commented: “This project represents an investment of almost €22 million by Irish Water to improve drinking water quality and safeguard the water supply for over 18,000 homes and businesses in the most populated areas of Offaly and parts of Laois.

“After 50 years serving the community, the Birr Water Treatment Plant will be modernised to adequately meet current requirements and the needs of future generations.

A dependable and secure drinking water supply will also ensure that both towns have the required water infrastructure to support ongoing economic growth and social development.”