Portloman Water Treatment Plant Upgraded

Murphy Process Engineering, representing Uisce Éireann, has finished upgrade works at the newly renovated Portloman Water Treatment Plant.

The €8 million project involved crucial upgrades to Mullingar's drinking water supply in County Westmeath. The new Portloman Water Treatment Plant now delivers a more dependable water supply to local homes and businesses. Situated on Lough Owel's shores, the plant serves the town and surrounding areas using membrane ultrafiltration technology as its primary treatment method.

The investment encompassed the replacement of membrane filters and optimisation of the treatment processes. Additionally, significant energy efficiency improvements were achieved through the installation of solar PV panels and high-performance, energy-efficient pumps. These improvements ensure the provision of clean, safe drinking water and elevate the overall water quality in Mullingar.


Speaking about the project John McElwaine, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann said: "We are delighted with the success of the upgrade at the Portloman Water Treatment Plant. This project is of vital importance for residents and businesses in Mullingar and the surrounding areas. This treatment plant utilises unique membrane ultrafiltration technology as the main water treatment process. The completion of these works now safeguards the water supply in Mullingar presently and into the future.

"These works will also result in a major reduction in the energy consumed at the treatment plant with the installation of solar panels and energy efficient pumps. This will lead to significant reductions in the energy consumption over the coming years. We would like to thank the local community for their support and co-operation as we carried out this vital work."

Uisce Éireann is committed to sustainable, eco-friendly infrastructure. The Portloman Water Treatment Plant upgrade demonstrates our dedication to energy efficiency and biodiversity. We installed 160kW solar panels, reducing carbon emissions by 39 tonnes annually, and energy-efficient pumps, saving 21 tonnes each year. Furthermore, we’ve reused the sludge dewatering centrifuge at another site in a sustainable way to the benefit of the public and environment, while our wildflower landscaping enhances the natural environment.