The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant, a €139 million infrastructure project in County Wicklow, Ireland, officially opened in May. The facility marks the end of untreated sewage discharges into the River Avoca and is considered a significant development in wastewater management for the region.
Ayesa, an international engineering and technology firm, collaborated with Irish utility Uisce Éireann, government officials, including An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister James Browne, and local representatives to mark the plant’s completion. The facility, located in Ferrybank on Ireland’s east coast, is now fully operational and was delivered six months ahead of schedule and within its allocated budget.
The plant has received recognition for its architectural design, winning the Downes Medal from the Architectural Association of Ireland. This award, typically not associated with utility projects, highlights the facility’s integration of industrial functionality with design elements intended to harmonize with the coastal environment.
“This project has been a decade in the making, and I couldn’t be prouder of the Ayesa’s team,” said Luke O’Connor, Director of Water, Ayesa Ireland. “Their dedication—from the earliest feasibility studies to project handover—has shaped a facility that is now a global benchmark in wastewater infrastructure.”
The plant has received recognition for its architectural design, winning the Downes Medal from the Architectural Association of Ireland
Ayesa has been involved in the Arklow project for over ten years, providing multidisciplinary support from early planning through final delivery. Its contributions included environmental assessments, land acquisition, stakeholder engagement, and the design of key infrastructure components such as a 1,000-meter offshore pipeline, a tunnel beneath the River Avoca, and a high-capacity pumping station. During the construction phase, Ayesa served as the Employer’s Representative, overseeing coordination among project stakeholders.
“Being here on the first day we turned the sod and now to see the plant fully operational—ahead of schedule and already making a difference for the community—is incredibly rewarding. This is more than just infrastructure; it’s a legacy project for Arklow, and it’s deeply personal to us,” said Michael Looby, Director at Ayesa.
Michael Tinsley, Wastewater Senior Portfolio Delivery Manager at Uisce Éireann, emphasized the collaboration behind the project:
“The successful delivery of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant marks a major milestone for the community and for Uisce Éireann. Ayesa’s collaborative approach with all stakeholders, and technical expertise were vital to progressing this complex and long-anticipated project.”
At the opening ceremony, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the plant as an important step in meeting environmental and housing goals:
“The Government recognises the vital role of strategic infrastructure investment in meeting the country’s demand for housing while also protecting and enhancing the environment. That’s why we are committed to working with Uisce Éireann to bring forward essential projects like this plant in Arklow, which is currently capable of supporting a population of 24,000 but holds the potential to expand to 36,000.”
The project is expected to contribute to improved water quality, enhanced public health, and future urban development in the area.
