Work begins on €16m upgrade of Tipperary water treatment plant
Despite ongoing issues with the water infrastructure across Tipperary, Uisce Éireann has started work on a €16million upgrade to one of the county’s water treatment plants.
The utility have started work on the Rossadrehid Water Treatment Plant, which is aimed at providing a more stable supply to homes and businesses in the Galtee region.
The upgrade work will focus on a major upgrade of the on-site filtration processes, delivering a more modern and efficient way to treat water.
The project will introduce state-of-the-art technology to monitor and control each stage of the filtration process, incorporate renewable energy technology, and improve the site's buildings and facilities.
The Rossadrehid plant serves thousands of homes and businesses across the Galtee region, stretching from the village of Emly, as far east as Cashel town, and many of the villages in between.
Uisce Éireann have said that the Rossadrehid plant faces a number of challenges stemming from the age of the water treatment plant and the vast water network that it serves.
Ailbe Grace, who has been the plant’s caretaker since 1981, said the last major upgrade took place in 1999.
Housing Minister James Browne welcomed the upgrade works, saying that it will allow the areas served by the plant to grow into the future.
Conor Heaney (Uisce Eireann), Cllr Andy Moloney, Fionnuala Callery (Uisce Eireann), Michael Murphy TD, Conor Williams (Uisce Eireann) and Cllr John O'Heney. © Adrian O’Herlihy
“This major upgrade of the water treatment plant will make a real difference to daily life for people in the Galtee region of west Tipperary by safeguarding public health, enhancing water quality, and ensuring a dependable supply of water for homes, schools, community services, and local businesses,” he said.
“It will in the longer term, help to unlock opportunities for housing, business expansion, and wider community development,” Minister Browne added.
Uisce Éireann programme manager Conor Williams said that the project marked the utility’s commitment to improve services within the county.
“This upgrade represents another major investment in the region’s water infrastructure and a long-term commitment to improving water quality and reliability across Tipperary.
“The enhanced treatment facilities will improve the drinking water quality for homes and businesses in the area ensuring continued delivery of a safe and reliable water supply,” he said.
Mr Grace said: “the last big upgrade came in 1999 when we upgraded the treated water reservoir from about two hundred thousand gallons to two million gallons, so it will be great to see it upgraded even further,” he said.
Mr Grace took over the caretaker position from his father, who served since 1951 when the plant was built.