Minister Darragh O’Brien visits Leixlip Water Treatment plant as Irish Water marks a significant milestone in the upgrade of the plant that serves 600,000 people

The delivery of the upgrade will safeguard the water supply for homes and businesses in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The works started in June 2018 and are being carried out as quickly and as safely as possible whilst maintaining a safe drinking water supply to more than 600,000 people across the GDA. A significant milestone has been reached as 15 filters have been upgraded and are now operational. Each of these filters can process up to 12 megaliters of water per day, that’s the equivalent of 5 Olympic sized swimming pools. The work to install an ultra-violet disinfection system will be completed early next year resulting in a safer more secure water supply for homes and businesses served by the plant. Furthermore, the risk of any future Boil Water Notices will be greatly reduced.

Irish Water, alongside Local Authorities, is also delivering a number of other significant projects to further support the water needs of the GDA as well as fixing leaks and upgrading the water supply system. As part of a leakage reduction program, over 100km of water mains have been replaced in the Greater Dublin Area since 2018, which is the equivalent of two M50s.

Speaking at the Leixlip Water Treatment Plant, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, said, “The upgrade of the old Leixlip Water Treatment Plant demonstrates how Irish Water, working in partnership with Fingal County Council, is delivering infrastructural improvements that are critical for our communities and our economy. This is the second-largest water treatment plant in the country and supplies water to more than 600,000 people through a vast network of pipes. The delivery of this project along with a number of other ambitious projects across the GDA will help to support existing and future residential and commercial development.” 

Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Robert O'Donoghue said about the upgrades: "It is great to see the continued installation of these upgrades to Leixlip Water Treatment Plant. The priority has always been the provision of safe drinking water for the people of Fingal and these upgrades will support that commitment for a proper service for Fingal."

Speaking about the upgrades works at Leixlip Water Treatment Plant, AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, said: “I welcome the recent investment by Irish Water, which has enabled the upgrading of the old water treatment plant at Leixlip to be expedited. Our staff operates the plant at Leixlip, under a Service Level Agreement, on behalf of Irish Water. They have done a fantastic job over the past 12 months to keep the second largest water treatment plant in Ireland going while facilitating the upgrade works and dealing with the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Speaking about the upgrade works at Leixlip Water Treatment plant and the water supply in the Greater Dublin Area, Niall Gleeson, Managing Director, Irish Water, said, “Delivering upgrades of this magnitude at an operational water treatment plant serving 600,000 people is challenging and the progress made is a testament to the collaboration between Irish Water, Fingal County Council and our contractors Glan Agua. Following the imposition of two Boil Water Notices on the Leixlip Water Treatment Plant last year this upgrade, the project was expedited. It is one of a portfolio of water projects that we are delivering to safeguard the water supply to homes and businesses right across the GDA. The water supply and demand balance in the GDA remains critical as we use almost every drop of water that is produced. I would like to remind people that treated drinking water is not an unlimited supply so conserve where possible and only use what you need.”

Irish Water continues to work with Local Authority partners, contractors, and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

For more information on this project, view the Leixlip project page on www.water.ie