GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED a €250m upgrade for Limerick city’s waste water treatment plant and the development of a bioresource centre for the city.

The news was announced by Housing and Local Government Minister James Browne today.

The investment is one of the largest of its kind by Uisce Éireann in the mid-west. 

The existing wastewater treatment plant at Bunlicky in the city has been in place since the early 2000s, and it was identified by the national water utility as a priority to upgrade given the increasing population of the area.

The bioresoruce centre would accept sludge imports from smaller plants in counties Limerick, Clare and Tipperary.

This forms part of the National Wastewater Sludge Management Plan, which aims to deliver a sustainable and standardised approach for wastewater sludge management, according to Uisce Éireann.

Browne said that as Government commits to the construction of more housing, there will be a greater need for the treatment plant.

Uisce Éirewann has proposed to increase the treatment capacity of the treatment plant from 130,000 to 285,000 population equivalent.

“The population of Limerick is projected to grow 50% by 2040, and the upgrade of Bunlicky Wastewater Treatment Plant by Uisce Éireann will play a key role in facilitating the growth of the city and its environs, including the delivery of many more new homes in and around Limerick,” the minister said.

Limerick wastewater treatment plant and Corcanree site locations. Uisce Éireann Uisce Éireann

Minister of State for Older People and Housing Kieran O’Donnell said a “new, state-of-the-art treatment plant will boost economic activity and employment during construction”, and on its completion will provide for further development of Limerick city.

Uisce Éireann has begun engagement with local residents and stakeholders through information sessions as part of the consultation process, and are preparing the planning application for the project, its CEO Niall Gleeson said.

The planning application is to be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála in the coming months.

Construction – given there are no “undue delays” in achieving statutory approvals – is expected to start in 2028.