Pupils from Ard Scoil Chiarain celebrate safe water supply for Clara

The communities of Clara, Ferbane, Ballycumber, Doon, Belmont, Shannonharbour, and Shannonbridge had good reason to celebrate recently as the completed €9.7 million upgrade to the Clara water treatment plant was marked with a tree-planting ceremony.

Students from Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa helped plant native Irish trees to mark the project’s completion.

This €9.7 million investment will benefit over 7,700 customers from Clara to Clonmacnoise by ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for homes and businesses. As a result of this upgrade, the water supply has been removed from the Environmental Protection Agency's 'at risk' list.

To mark the completion, Uisce Éireann's Programme Manager for the project, Ian Walsh, Tony Mc Cormack, John Clendennen local TD’s, Pius Larkin and Ronan Galvin water treatment plant caretakers, representatives from Offaly County Council and Veolia Water Ireland contractors who delivered the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann were in attendance.

Ian Walsh, Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: “I'm delighted to be here today to see firsthand how this upgrade will benefit the community. Delivering this project was essential to enhancing the security and resilience of the community's water supply.''

 Ian added, "On behalf of Uisce Éireann, I would like to thank everybody involved for their hard work and collaboration in delivering this project.  It was a 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). 

Welcoming the upgrades, Frank Moran, Cathaoirleach, Tullamore Municipal District, said: ''I would like to commend Uisce Éireann and all involved for completing this project as part of its commitment to the people of Offaly. This improvement will be crucial in shaping the local area's future."

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

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

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more, visit the Uisce Éireann website at water.ie