New €19m Windmill Hill Reservoir and upgraded water network will enhance security and resilience of water supply in Co. Meath Uisce Éireann welcomes the latest Drinking Water Report published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which confirms that Ireland’s public drinking water supplies continue to meet exceptionally high standards, with over 99.8% compliance with microbiological and chemical regulations.
This achievement reflects sustained investment and operational improvements across the country. In 2024, Uisce Éireann invested over €1.3 billion in upgrading water and wastewater treatment plants and networks, enhancing resilience and safety for communities nationwide.
Uisce Éireann operates over 700 water treatment plants and are committed to delivering transformative water services that enable communities to thrive. One such example of this is the recent completion of a major €19 million investment at Windmill Hill Reservoir and Trunk Watermain project in Co. Meath which will enhance the security and resilience of the water supply and deliver considerable benefits to the local community and economy.
This key infrastructure for the area has significantly increased capacity providing up to 24-hour storage; improving water supply, security and resilience for existing homes and businesses in Ratoath, Kilbride and Ashbourne; as well as improving water pressure, particularly in Ratoath, during periods of high demand. It also provides for the future with sufficient capacity for forecasted population growth and future housing and economic developments in the area.
William McKnight, Portfolio Manager with Uisce Éireann stated: “Delivery of this project was essential to enhance the security and resilience of the water supply to local communities as well as provide the necessary capacity to support future growth and development.
“We are proud of the progress made, but we recognise that challenges remain. A key priority for Uisce Éireann is increasing the resilience and security of our water supplies.”
Nationally, the number of Boil Water Notices issued in 2024 was approximately half that of 2023. Over the course of the year 37 notices were lifted, restoring safe water to 91,929 people. Only 5 long-term notices remained in place at the end of 2024, and over 72% of Boil Water Notices imposed in 2024 were rectified within 30 days.
497,000 in the state have risk of contamination
Uisce Éireann also made strides in addressing risks identified on the EPA’s Remedial Action List (RAL). In 2024, works were completed at 14 supplies on the Remedial Action List to ensure they met the EPA standards. As a result, there were 45 supplies on the list at the end of 2024, down from 57 in 2023. These include three water supply could be at risk of contamination, The parts of Meath are Navan-Mid Meath Kilcarn PWS serving 10,400 of the population, with Trim PWS (11,201 population) , and Drumconrath (1,168 population),22769 on the county. In total nearly . Limerick city and environs has over 115,000 with parts of Louth over 52,700.
