€33m investment completed to secure water supply for Kilkenny City
Uisce Éireann has officially marked the completion of a major €33 million investment in Kilkenny City securing the water supply for future generations and enabling growth and development in the area.
The project has significantly increased the capacity of the existing Troyswood Water Treatment Plant, establishing it as the main water treatment facility for over 28,000 people across Kilkenny City, ensuring a more secure and reliable water supply for the region. It involved extensive expansion and upgrade of the existing plant, construction of a new raw water intake from the river Nore, pumping facilities as well as delivering an interconnecting 2.9km water main from Troyswood to the Radestown site.
An event to mark completion of the works took place this week led by Malcolm Noonan TD, Minster of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform and supported by Leas-Chathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Councillor Peter Cleere, local TDs and councillors, and representatives from Uisce Éireann and Kilkenny County Council.
Speaking at the event Maria O’Dwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director with Uisce Éireann said:
"I’m delighted to be here to celebrate the completion of this critical project for the people of Kilkenny City and surrounding areas. Delivery of this project was essential to reduce the risk of water quality issues and provide the necessary capacity to support growth and development in Kilkenny. Access to safe and secure water is not just a necessity; it is a foundation for health, prosperity, and a sustainable future.
The team behind this project took immense pride in their work, with key focus on ensuring the continued provision of safe, clean drinking water to local homes and businesses. As part of our ongoing commitment to deliver sustainable water supplies across Ireland, we have embedded principles of repurposing, reusing, and efficiency into the design of this major upgrade which is set in the picturesque valley of the river Nore.
Additionally, we are excited to announce the upcoming planting of 10,000 native trees at the Troyswood site. Delivering an upgrade of this scale while remaining environmentally conscious, ensuring there is sufficient water supply for much-needed growth, have been our top priority".
Commenting on the importance of this investment to the people of Kilkenny, Malcolm Noonan TD, Minster of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform said:
"It is encouraging to see the benefits of our ongoing commitment to invest in critical water infrastructure now coming to fruition. Secure, sustainable water supplies are essential for our growing populations and thriving businesses. After many years on the EPA’s Remedial Action List, Kilkenny’s drinking water supply is now up to standard and fit for the future of our growing city and region. I want to acknowledge the collaboration and dedication the project required and congratulate everyone involved in reaching this important milestone.”
Leas-Chathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Councillor Peter Cleere, who was in attendance stated:
“The upgrade to the Kilkenny Regional Water Supply Scheme is exceptionally important in shaping the future of Kilkenny. People want to live and work in their own communities and this project not only supports current development but also lays a strong foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity in Kilkenny in the future.”
John Hurley, CEO of the Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce, who is acutely aware of the importance of a robust water supply for businesses stated,
“Infrastructure projects of this type provide an essential platform for businesses to thrive and prosper, positioning Kilkenny head and shoulders above competitors in attracting business. The additional capacity will enable the construction of essential housing and foster social and economic development for years to come. On behalf of the Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce and the local business community, I would like to commend Uisce Éireann on the completion of this vital upgrade to a key part our critical infrastructure.”
The multimillion-euro upgrade also involved decommissioning of the Radestown Water Treatment Plant, along with upgrade works at Radestown Reservoirs. It facilitated removal of all those supplied by the Radestown Water Treatment Plant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of at-risk water supplies.
The works were delivered by Glanua on behalf of Uisce Éireann and supported by Ryan Hanley.
For more information on the project please visit the project page.
(l-r) Cllr. Peter Cleere-Leas Chathaoirleach Kilkenny Co Co, Maria O’Dwyer, Uisce Éireann, Malcolm Noonan TD, Minster of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness-Kilkenny Mayor.
(l-r) Maria O’Dwyer, Uisce Éireann, Malcolm Noonan TD, Minster of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform.
Previous Updates
Uisce Éireann’s customers in Kilkenny City will welcome the recent news that their water supply has been removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of vulnerable water supplies.
A €33m investment by Uisce Éireann to upgrade the Troyswood Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and installation of a new network to allow decommissioning of the Radestown WTP, has ensured a safe and reliable water supply for homes and businesses. This investment has resulted in the supply removed from the ‘at risk’ list.
Prior to the investment, homes and businesses in Kilkenny City and surrounding areas received their drinking water supply from two separate water treatment plants at Troyswood and Radestown. As the risks were identified on the Radestown supply a decision was made to decommission that plant and deliver a major upgrade to the Troyswood Plant to cater for all customers.
Pat Duggan, Regional Drinking Water Compliance Manager at Uisce Éireann is proud of the team effort to deliver the works and have the supply removed from the EPA’s Remedial Action List (RAL).
“At Uisce Éireann we are fully committed to identifying and addressing risks to drinking water quality. Our key focus remains the protection of public health through the provision of safe, clean and secure water supplies for local communities. This critical upgrade at Troyswood ensures ongoing compliance with drinking water regulations and significantly reduces the risk of future water quality issues”.
This significant project involved the construction of a new raw water intake and pumping facility at Troyswood, upgrade of the existing water treatment plant, construction of a new 2.9km water rising main between Troyswood WTP and the Radestown Reservoirs and decommissioning of the Radestown WTP.
Diane Carroll, Infrastructure Delivery Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann said, “It has been a great privilege to deliver this critical project for 28,000 people across Kilkenny. With the works now complete this project ensures the continued delivery of safe, clean drinking water to homes and businesses in Kilkenny City and the surrounding area. Uisce Éireann’s €33m investment also unlocks growth and development potential in Kilkenny which will enable the local community to thrive.”
Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.
Water Service Updates
Sign up for our free text service to be kept informed of water outages and works in your area.