Irish Water, working in partnership with Clare County Council, has commenced works to construct Kilrush Wastewater Treatment Plant, to end the discharge of raw sewage into the Shannon Estuary.

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, commented:
“A significant number of people will benefit from the provision of high-quality wastewater treatment facilities in Kilrush. The environmental benefits of this scheme will be felt by future generations. I am very pleased to see this project taking a major step forward.”
The project involves the construction of a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant and sewer pipelines that will serve a population equivalent of approximately 6,700. The existing pumping station on Frances Street will also upgrade its pumps, mechanical plant and a storm water storage tank.
Esther White from Irish Water said:
“Wastewater from the public sewer network in Kilrush is currently discharged untreated into the estuary. This unacceptable practice threatens water quality, detracts from the amenity value of the area and does not comply with EU regulations relating to the treatment of wastewater. Providing improved wastewater treatment for Kilrush will enhance the environmental amenity and protect the waters of Kilrush for activities like swimming, and fishing. The project will also hopefully support social and economic development in Kilrush for years to come. “
Welcoming the commencement of works on the Kilrush Wastewater Treatment Plant, Cllr PJ Ryan, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, added:
“This is an important piece of wastewater infrastructure that will help to protect the waters of Kilrush and enhance the area for residents and visitors. I look forward to it being brought to fruition.”
The project, which is being delivered by EPS Group on behalf of Irish Water, is expected to take approximately 18 months with the project due for completion in 2023.
Irish Water “on track to fully remove the majority of raw sewage discharges” by end of 2025
Irish Water is working to eliminate raw sewage discharges in Ireland - work is now complete on 17 areas around the country, where there was no sewage treatment before, for the equivalent of 100,000 people. The company is also well progressed with plans to construct wastewater infrastructure in Liscannor with works already underway. Works are also planned to end the discharge of raw sewage in Clarecastle, Ballyvaughan and Kilkee.
Irish Water is continuing to progress its goal of ending the discharge of raw sewage throughout the country by 2025, saying it is “on track to fully remove the majority of raw sewage discharges” by the end of 2025.
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