Irish Water has announced that construction to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure for the Boherbue area has commenced – the project, which includes a solar panel farm, will ensure that wastewater is adequately treated before being discharged into the Brogeen River.

The project involves decommissioning of the existing plant and its associated structures, and construction of the new facility on the same site in Laharn West, new inlet works, a stormwater tank, biological treatment process, tertiary solids removal, sludge drying reed beds, and a solar panel farm. The project will also reuse the existing constructed wetlands to maintain habitats for animals and plants.

The scheme is one of several Early Contractor Involvement projects to incorporate solar into the site’s electricity needs and reduce carbon emissions.

This, coupled with the use of natural sludge drying reed beds and the constructed wetlands, will improve the sustainability of Boherbue wastewater treatment plant.

Anthony Kavanagh, Asset Delivery Regional Lead with Irish Water said:

“We are delighted to be delivering this important project on behalf of the people of Boherbue.

“Currently the existing wastewater infrastructure in the village is overloaded and outdated. The effluent does not consistently meet the standard required by the EPA licence and some parameters of the licence cannot be achieved with the assets that are currently in place.

“The modernisation and improvement of the wastewater infrastructure will ensure that cleaner and safer effluent is being discharged into the Brogeen River and will accommodate further growth in the Boherbue area.”

“We are aiming to install over 100 solar panels, generating clean, renewable energy which will improve energy efficiency at the plant and reduce carbon emissions.”

The project is being delivered in partnership with Cork County Council. Glan Agua, who are carrying out the works on behalf of Irish Water, are expected to have the construction completed in early 2024.