Work is set to begin this month on a major €13.4 million wastewater treatment plant for Castlemagner, marking a significant infrastructure milestone for the North Cork village.
The long-awaited development will replace ageing systems dating back to the 1950s and address longstanding capacity limitations that have restricted growth in the area. Currently, the village relies on public infrastructure designed to serve just 50 population equivalent (PE), alongside a private treatment system originally installed by housing developers.
The new facility, being delivered by Uisce Éireann under its Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme, will increase treatment capacity tenfold to 500 PE, providing the essential infrastructure required to support housing and economic development in the years ahead.
Construction will take place on a site south of the village, with Glanua Ireland Ltd. appointed to deliver the works. The project is expected to be completed by early 2028.
Local TD John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the investment as a significant boost for the community and its future development prospects.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said that investing in modern, resilient wastewater infrastructure is essential to supporting vibrant rural communities and enabling sustainable housing delivery. He noted that the increased treatment capacity in Castlemagner will underpin future growth under the Government’s housing strategy and ensure the village can expand in a planned and environmentally responsible manner.
Uisce Éireann Programme Manager Darran O’Leary said the project represents a vital investment for Castlemagner, increasing capacity while integrating sustainable technologies to protect local waterways and support long-term development. He added that the upgraded infrastructure will deliver lasting benefits for residents and businesses across the wider North Cork area.
The project includes the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, a stormwater storage system and upgrades to the incoming sewer network designed to reduce flood risk during heavy rainfall. A new outfall will safely discharge fully treated effluent to the Lisduggan North Stream, improving downstream water quality and ensuring full environmental compliance.
Sustainability measures will form a central part of the development, including sludge drying reed beds to reduce energy use and transport emissions, along with ground-mounted solar panels to generate renewable power on site. These features will reduce reliance on fossil fuels while enhancing biodiversity and operational efficiency.
The development forms part of Uisce Éireann’s ongoing national investment programme aimed at strengthening critical water and wastewater infrastructure to support housing delivery and sustainable community growth across Ireland.