Calls grow for urgent action on Dundalk and Mid-Louth water issues

Louth TD Paula Butterly has welcomed the announcement of Uisce Éireann’s €22 million investment which will enable the building of 5,000 new homes along the PANCR line. This follows last week’s announcement that the ESB intends to announce €90 million in investment over the next five years in Drogheda.

Deputy Butterly has called for similar attention and urgency to be directed towards the growing wastewater and drinking water issues in Dundalk and Mid-Louth. Deputy Butterly says she is now hopeful that her engagement with Uisce Eireann over the last few months will bring urgent clarity and investment in regard to existing structures in Dundalk, Blackrock and Mid-Louth. 

Urgent action is required to ensure existing households have proper drinking water and that they are not subjected to issues such as flooding or contaminated water issues in their locality.  

“This is a significant and welcome investment in Drogheda’s future,” Deputy said. “But communities in Dundalk, Ardee, and across Mid-Louth are still waiting for answers and for action. We cannot ignore the fact that wastewater and clean water supplies in other parts of Louth is under severe pressure.”

In particular Deputy Butterly highlighted concerns about ongoing untreated wastewater discharges into local rivers, calling for urgent clarity from Uisce Éireann and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, also welcomed the €22 million investment by Uisce Éireann in wastewater infrastructure in Drogheda, describing it as a significant step forward for the local economy and community development.

Deputy McGreehan said the announcement marks a milestone for North Drogheda.

“I am delighted to welcome €22 million of investment in North Drogheda by Uisce Éireann. As part of last year’s Budget, the Government committed €1 billion in funding for Uisce Éireann, and this is exactly the type of project that investment was intended to deliver.”

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“This upgrade will transform the wastewater network for businesses and residential units in North Drogheda. It not only strengthens existing services but also unlocks the potential for future housing and business development,” she added.

“Uisce Éireann plays a vital role in achieving our housing ambitions, and investment in infrastructure like this is key to ensuring communities such as Drogheda can grow and thrive.

“I have been informed that traffic management will be required at Ballymakenny Road, Listoke and Ashton Village during the works. Details will be communicated locally in advance of each phase, with standard working hours from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday.”