Uisce Éireann has finally announced the commencement of major works to upgrade the Drogheda Waste Water Treatment plant which has been the source of disgusting smells in the locality for many years.
The project aims to ensure on-going compliance with statutory requirements, ultimately providing a cleaner and more pleasant environment for residents in the greater Drogheda area and parts of East Meath.
“We’re looking forward to beginning construction of this critical project for the people of Drogheda” said Esther White, Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann.
“When complete, this new infrastructure will ensure a cleaner and more pleasant environment for residents in the greater Drogheda area and parts of East Meath.”
The €10m upgrades are expected to be completed within 27 months. The work will be carried out by EPS (Electrical and Pump Services) on behalf of Uisce Éireann and will be conducted entirely within the confines of the wastewater treatment plant, minimizing traffic disruption in the locality during construction.
Welcoming Uisce Eireann’s announcement, local Fine Gael TD, Fergus O’Dowd, said he was delighted that they will finally commence the works on the Drogheda Waste Water Treatment Plant after his lengthy campaign to address the malodours issues that have blighted Drogheda for many years.
Deputy O’Dowd told Drogheda Life that he has been working closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for years to ensure that Irish Water were compelled to undertake much needed works on the plant after years of being fobbed off by Irish Water.
“Irish Water originally indicated that the works would commence in 2028 which was a complete and utter insult to the people of Drogheda who have put up with this farce for years” O’Dowd said.
“After further engagement the EPA then issued a further directive to Irish Water in July of last year that works to cover the primary settlement tanks must commence no later than the end of September 2024.
“I’m delighted to see this is now happening, I want to thank the EPA for their engagement on this issue as they have held Irish Water to account at every stage of this frustrating process.
O’Dowd added “I would also like to thank the residents who have consistently logged their complaints with both Irish Water and the EPA as this has helped us secure the critical EPA statutory directives.”
For more information about this project, please visit the Drogheda Wastewater Treatment Plant page on the Uisce Éireann website.
