Irish Water begins work on Lee Road Water Treatment Plant upgrade

Irish Water, a water utility company in Ireland, has broken ground on a €40m ($44m) project to upgrade Lee Road Water Treatment plant in Cork City.

The utility company has taken up the upgrade project in partnership with Cork City Council to ensure the water treatment plant meets the needs of the growing population and supports the economic development of the city.

According to Irish Water, the plant will feature modern water treatment infrastructure to ensure safe and secure water supply to more than 70% of the population of the city.

Cork Deputy Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy said: “Today’s sod turning is an important step in the modernisation of our city’s water treatment infrastructure.

“Cork is a thriving city and its ongoing growth and development is dependent on having a modern, fit-for-purpose water infrastructure.

“This investment is essential in safeguarding public health, supporting local businesses and attracting investment into the city.”

The Lee Road Water Treatment Plant began operations in 1879. Previously, Cork City’s water supply scheme was first established in 1768 at the Old Cork Waterworks.

Even though several upgrades have been made to Lee Road Water Treatment Plant since 1879, there have not been any major upgrades since the 1950s.

As part of the upgrade, the existing treatment facilities will be replaced at the plant.

Minister for Housing Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy said: “We are here on the site of the original water supply scheme for Cork City which was established more than 250 years ago and marked a crucial step in the city’s development.

“This latest investment is another important milestone in securing Cork’s water supply into the future.”

Irish Water has signed a two-year contract with J Murphy & Sons to deliver the project.

Irish Water general manager Eamon Gallen said: “This major upgrade of the Lee Road Water Treatment Plant is a key project for Irish Water. Along with other investments in the water supply network across the city and county, it will provide state-of-the-art water treatment facilities, bringing enormous benefits for the people of Cork.”