Major investment ensures safe drinking water for Clara and Ferbane area say Uisce Eireann

The water supply for over 7,700 customers in Clara, Ferbane and surrounding areas has been removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of vulnerable water supplies. 

Uisce Éireann says that a €9.7m investment by it to upgrade the Clara Water Treatment Plant, has ''ensured continued delivery of a safe and reliable water supply for homes and businesses in the area. This investment has removed the supply from the EPA’s ‘at risk’ list.''

Ian Walsh, Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: ''We are proud of the team effort that led to the successful completion of the works, allowing for the removal of the supply from the EPA’s Remedial Action List (RAL). We want to thank the local community for their support and patience while the work was underway.

Ian added, ''With this project complete, we can ensure the continued delivery of safe, clean drinking water to the wider community across Clara and Ferbane. Uisce Éireann’s €9.7 million investment will help support development, enabling the local community to thrive.''

This project involved installing a new flocculation unit, filtration and disinfection upgrades, central controls, and automation systems.

Offaly TD John Clendennen has said,''This is fantastic news for the 7,700 customers across Clara, Ferbane, and the surrounding areas who will now benefit from a safer and more reliable water supply.'' Ensuring clean, high-quality drinking water is essential for public health, local businesses, and the future development of our communities.''

Deputy Clendennen commended Uisce Éireann for their work and acknowledged the patience of the local community during the project’s completion.

''This investment will have a lasting impact, supporting local development and economic growth while guaranteeing a secure water supply for years to come,'' he added.

The water produced in Clara serves the surrounding community, including Clara, Ballycumber, Ferbane, Doon, Belmont, Shannonharbour, and Shannonbridge. A risk of disinfection byproducts called trihalomethanes (THMs) was identified in the Clara/Ferbane water supply.

All public water supplies must be disinfected to ensure they are safe to drink. Chlorine is used for this disinfection; however, over time, it can form trihalomethane (THMs) compounds. This occurs when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter present in the water. Surface water, like that from the Gageborough River— the source of this water supply—contains a significant amount of organic matter. As a result, THMs can form in the water supply. Fortunately, upgrades to the plant's treatment processes will now prevent these compounds' formation.