A triumph for Ireland as Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant named International Project of the Year In London at prestigious BCIA Awards 2025

Arklow town is celebrating international recognition after its new Wastewater Treatment Plant was named International Project of the Year at the 2025 British Construction & Infrastructure Awards (BCIA) in London; often referred to as the “Engineering Oscars” and regarded as one of the most prestigious events in the global engineering calendar.

The BCIA is co-organised by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and New Civil Engineer (NCE) in the United Kingdom. Delivered by Uisce Éireann – Irish Water, in partnership with Ayesa Engineering, Ward & Burke Construction Ltd, and Clancy Moore Architects, the project was recognised for its outstanding engineering achievement, sustainable design, and positive community impact. This latest win builds on a series of honours that position Arklow as a benchmark for sustainable and collaborative infrastructure, bringing the tally to nine awards to date.

The judges praised the project for its holistic approach, stating:
“The project design demonstrates an engineering solution that holistically meets carbon, sustainability, resilience and stakeholder requirements. The judges were impressed with an architectural design that was sympathetic to local needs during construction and addressed the sensitivities of the environment and community.”

_{Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant officially opened on 9th May 2025 and celebrated by Ayesa – key delivery partner across all phases. Photo courtesy of Clancy Moore Architects}

Paul Fallon, Infrastructure Delivery Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, said:
“This is an incredible achievement for Ireland and a proud moment for everyone who played a part in making the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant a reality. Delivering a project of this scale required exceptional collaboration between all project partners, the many suppliers and specialists who supported us along the way. Together, we have delivered a world-class solution that protects our rivers and coastline, enhances the environment, and supports the future development of the town. To see that effort recognised internationally is truly rewarding.”

John Byrne, Country Manager for the UK and Ireland at Ayesa Engineering, added:
“This award is not just recognition for Ayesa and our partners, it’s a win for Irish engineering and for the people of Arklow. The project exemplifies how world-class technical design, stakeholder collaboration, and environmental responsibility can work together to deliver long-term value for Ireland. It’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved when public and private sectors come together with shared purpose.”

Padraig Burke, Director at Ward & Burke Construction, commented:
“We are proud to have played our part in this landmark project for Ireland. Delivering in a coastal and tidal environment demanded precision planning, innovation, and teamwork at every level. The result is an essential piece of infrastructure that will protect the environment and serve the community of Arklow for generations to come.”

Andrew Clancy, Director at Clancy Moore Architects, said:
“From the outset, our design approach aimed to respect and reflect Arklow’s coastal setting. We wanted to create a building that feels part of its landscape, one that enhances its surroundings rather than dominates them. To have that recognised on an international stage is an honour and a testament to the wider team effort behind the project.”

_{Courtesy of Clancy Moore Architects}

Arklow’s Wastewater Treatment Plant eliminates one of Ireland’s final untreated wastewater discharges, protecting the Avoca River and the Irish Sea while enabling the town’s sustainable growth. Co-created by engineers, architects, and contractors, the project rethinks traditional civic infrastructure through an energy-efficient stacked design that reduces its footprint, lowers carbon emissions, and transforms a functional utility into a sustainable and visually sensitive landmark for the community.

The project has already earned the Engineers Ireland Downes Medal, the ENR (Engineering News-Record) Global Best Projects Award of Merit, and the Irish Planning Institute President’s Award for Excellence, along with second place in the RIAI Public Choice Award for its design and community impact. Most recently, the project also took home Project of the Year at the 2025 Irish Construction Industry Awards, held in Dublin last Friday, further recognising Arklow’s exceptional contribution to Irish and international engineering.

This recognition firmly places Ireland on the map for world-class infrastructure delivery, showcasing the strength of Irish engineering, construction, and environmental leadership on an international stage.

Now in its 38th year, the British Construction & Infrastructure Awards celebrate global excellence in infrastructure and engineering. The International Project of the Year category recognises projects delivered outside the UK that demonstrate exceptional outcomes, innovation, sustainability, and community benefit.

Gavin Pearson, Editor of New Civil Engineer, said:
“The BCIA celebrates the best of the best across the construction and infrastructure industries, not just in what they achieve in terms of the projects they deliver, but the incredible, vital impact they have on the health, wellbeing and prosperity of communities and the country as a whole.”