Major Wastewater Upgrade Begins for Killeens as Uisce Éireann Invests Millions in Cork Village

• The multimillion-euro project will transform local infrastructure, enable future growth, and protect the River Blarney whilst bringing renewable energy to the site through solar panels.

Uisce Éireann has commenced work on a significant wastewater infrastructure upgrade in Killeens, County Cork, marking a transformative moment for the village's future development. The multimillion-euro investment, delivered through the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme, promises to unlock new opportunities for both population growth and economic expansion in the area.

The comprehensive project will increase the capacity of existing sewers, improve system performance, and significantly reduce the risk of sewer flooding in compliance with Irish and EU legislation. Beyond addressing immediate infrastructure needs, the upgrade will protect water quality in the River Blarney and safeguard local conservation habitats.

David Shalloo, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, stated in italics:

"Enabling Ireland's growth and development is one of Uisce Éireann's key priorities, so delivering this vital infrastructure project is great news. By increasing the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant we are ensuring that the town of Killeens can continue to thrive and expand sustainably and we are proud to grow alongside it."

The initial phase of works, commencing in the coming weeks, will see the construction of a new 1,100-metre rising main to the pipeline's high point, alongside 1,793 metres of gravity sewer mains to the connection manhole. These works will take place intermittently between Gleann Iris and the North Point Business Park, with Stop/Go traffic management systems in place to minimise disruption whilst maintaining local and emergency access throughout.

The broader project scope includes construction of a new pumping station to convey current and future wastewater flows to the Cork City sewer network, installation of a new storm holding tank with associated equipment, and the decommissioning and demolition of redundant process units at the existing wastewater treatment plant.

In a welcome nod to environmental sustainability, the site rehabilitation following demolition will prioritise biodiversity replenishment and incorporate renewable energy through the installation of solar PV panels; a forward-thinking addition that aligns with Ireland's climate action goals.

Ward and Burke Construction Ltd has been appointed to carry out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann, with the entire project scheduled for completion in 2027. The extended timeline reflects the comprehensive nature of the upgrade and the care being taken to minimise community disruption during construction.

The investment represents more than just pipes and pumps for Killeens. It's laying the groundwork for sustainable growth that will benefit families and businesses for generations to come, whilst ensuring the village can develop without compromising the natural environment that makes this corner of Cork so special.

Residents seeking further information about the project can visit the dedicated project page on the Uisce Éireann website. The utility company has also launched a free text alert service, allowing customers to receive real-time updates for local issues by registering with their Eircode and mobile number.