This is huge event for Youghal, delivering a significant economic impact to East Cork with the potential to drive the entire region as a premier activity-based visitor destination in the country. We will welcome competitors from all over the world and expect an estimated €8 million economic boost to the local economy. The success of this event reflects the impact of long-term infrastructural investment by Cork County Council and Irish Water.
EPS plays Large Part in Bringing IRONMAN to Ireland
As Youghal and East Cork gets ready to welcome over 2600 athletes, along with families, friends, supporters and spectators, for one of the world’s most prestigious sporting competitions, the International IRONMAN triathlon, EPS is proud to have played a large part in ensuring that this huge event goes off swimmingly.
Water standards are a vital component for IRONMAN, with the race getting underway in the clean waters of the golden, sandy Claycastle beach in Youghal Bay, early on Sunday morning with a 3.8km (2.4-mile) swim.
Over a 28 month period, Irish Water, working in partnership with Cork County Council & EPS/Sorensen, developed the €12.5m Youghal Wastewater Treatment Plant on Breton Road, which was officially opened in September 2019, to ensure that the high quality of water standards required by IRONMAN would be met.
By providing the capacity to effectively treat wastewater from homes and businesses in the area, the plant has resulted in significant improvements in water quality and will facilitate the ongoing growth and development of the town. The investment in the new modern and sustainable wastewater treatment plant is part of an overall investment in Youghal’s wastewater infrastructure of approximately €26m.
EPS will operate and maintain the wastewater facility for a period of 20 years on behalf of Irish Water. Cork County Council also anticipate that this facility will strongly support the return of Blue Flags into the future for Claycastle and Youghal.
Cork County Council, as main event sponsor, has also invested significantly in getting Youghal race ready. Recognising the immediate economic benefits and the potential legacy for East Cork, the Council has invested in road improvements and overhauled the beach at Claycastle. IRONMAN competitors working for Cork County Council, Irish Water and EPS will take part in the event on June 23rd and in wishing them well.
