TOBIN is proud to manage the delivery of a significant upgrade of the Portlaoise Wastewater Treatment Plant on behalf of Uisce Éireann Irish Water, through our Framework partnership TOBIN McAdam Wood (TMW).
Portlaoise, identified as a Key Town in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midlands Region (2019-2031), has experienced substantial growth over the past two decades. With continued projected population growth, the town faces increasing pressure on wastewater treatment capacity. The upgrade and expansion of the Portlaoise Wastewater Treatment Plant aim to meet these demands, ensuring sustainable growth into the future.
Key environmental benefits include the installation of additional stormwater storage and enhanced treatment to meet stringent emission limit values, improving water quality in the Triogue River. We conducted a Tier 2 Assessment using Monte Carlo Analysis to evaluate various watercourse and effluent flow scenarios, comprehensively assessing the discharge impact.
Sustainability is central to our approach, with TOBIN employing best practices to minimise carbon impact. Using proprietary software (OneClickLCA), we calculated both embodied and operational carbon for the upgrade and designed the project to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Measures include the installation of over 2,000m² of ground-mounted solar PV panels, expected to fulfil approximately 13% of the plant’s annual energy demand.
Currently, TOBIN has advanced the upgrade project through concept design stages and is preparing tender documents for the upgrade contract. A planning application submitted in May 2025 is under assessment by Laois County Council.
The proposed upgrade features new inlet works, increased stormwater storage capacity, primary and secondary settlement tanks, tertiary filters, enhanced sludge management facilities, solar PV integration, a Biodiversity Enhancement Area, and ancillary infrastructure.
