Macroom wastewater treatment plant exceeded ammonia limit many times throughout 2024

A protest by local residents was held at the plant in July of this year due to sewage leaks from the treatment plant’s discharge pipe to the River Sullane

The Macroom Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is currently undergoing a €21m upgrade to make it fit for purpose, was dogged by incidents throughout 2024. Picture: Dan Linehan

The levels of ammonia and other substances in effluent from the Macroom Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) have been many times their legal limit throughout spring and summer of 2024, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

A protest by local residents was held at the plant, run by private company Glanua on behalf of Uisce Éireann, in July due to sewage leaks from the treatment plant’s discharge pipe to the River Sullane next to St Colman’s Park.