Ardee water crisis sparks urgent calls for investment
By ArdeePost Reporter
Calls are mounting for urgent investment in Ardee’s water and wastewater infrastructure, following confirmation of a €22 million upgrade for Drogheda’s wastewater network.
The announcement, welcomed last week by both Louth TDs Paula Butterly and Erin McGreehan, will enable the construction of 5,000 new homes along the PANCR line in Drogheda and marks a major milestone in addressing long-standing wastewater challenges in the town.
However, the Drogheda investment has also intensified demands for similar action in Ardee, Dundalk, Blackrock and Mid-Louth, where local communities continue to face significant challenges with water supply and wastewater treatment.
Concerns for Ardee and Mid-Louth
Deputy Paula Butterly stressed that urgent clarity is needed on the condition of existing infrastructure in Ardee and surrounding areas, pointing to growing concerns around flooding, contaminated water, and untreated wastewater discharges into local rivers.
“This is a significant and welcome investment in Drogheda’s future,” Deputy Butterly said.
“But communities in Ardee, Dundalk 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 are under severe pressure.”
She added that she is hopeful her ongoing engagement with Uisce Éireann will soon result in a concrete plan to tackle these issues.
Drogheda Investment Welcomed
Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan also welcomed the €22 million commitment to Drogheda, describing it as a transformative step for the region’s economy and housing development.
“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 said.
Deputy McGreehan highlighted that the investment is part of the Government’s €1 billion allocation for Uisce Éireann, noting that this type of project is essential to meet housing demand and support regional growth.
She confirmed that traffic management measures will be implemented during the construction works at Ballymakenny Road, Listoke and Ashton Village, with standard working hours running from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday.
A Wider Challenge for Louth
While Drogheda stands to benefit from significant infrastructure improvements, residents in Ardee and Mid-Louth fear being left behind. Campaigners and local representatives argue that without immediate investment, public health risks and environmental damage will continue to escalate.
Deputy Butterly has called on Uisce Éireann and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to urgently outline their plans to end untreated discharges and ensure safe, reliable drinking water across the county.
With Drogheda’s €22 million upgrade now underway, attention is firmly turning to Ardee’s water crisis—and pressure is building for an investment announcement that matches the scale of the problem.