Build your career in one of Ireland's most important infrastructure sectors
Ireland's water and wastewater infrastructure is undergoing significant investment, creating opportunities for construction and engineering professionals working across civil engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, project management and commercial delivery.
At Breagh Recruitment, we work with major Tier 1 civil engineering contractors and specialist M&E companies delivering water and wastewater projects across Ireland.
Whether you're already working in the water industry or considering moving into the sector, we can help you explore opportunities that suit your experience, location and long term career goals.
Why is Ireland Investing So Much in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure?
Water infrastructure is something most of us rarely think about until there's a problem.
But behind every new housing development, expanding town, manufacturing facility and growing city is a network of water and wastewater infrastructure that needs to keep up. Across Ireland, existing treatment plants need upgrading, water networks need improving and new infrastructure is required to support future development.
Under the Government's National Development Plan, €12.2 billion has been allocated to water services and water quality investment over the five year period to 2030.
The investment is intended to improve drinking water services, increase wastewater treatment capacity, support housing development and protect the environment.
For the construction industry, that means opportunities across several areas
- New water and wastewater treatment plants
- Upgrades and extensions to existing treatment facilities
- Pumping stations and pipeline infrastructure
- Mechanical, electrical and process engineering installations
- Water network upgrades and leakage reduction programmes
- Instrumentation, automation and control systems
- Testing, commissioning and infrastructure maintenance
These projects require a combination of civil engineering, mechanical and electrical expertise, creating opportunities for professionals from several construction backgrounds.
What Types of Water and Wastewater Projects Are Being Delivered in Ireland?
Not every water infrastructure project looks the same
Some involve major civil engineering works, while others focus heavily on mechanical installations, electrical systems, process engineering or upgrading operational facilities
Water Treatment Plants
Water treatment plants take raw water from sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs and treat it to make drinking water standards.
Construction and upgrade projects can involve reinforced concrete structures, filtration systems, pumping equipment, mechanical installations, electrical distribution and process control systems. For construction professionals, these projects can offer experience across both civil engineering and complex mechanical and electrical systems.
Wastewater Treatment Plants
Wastewater treatment plants treat sewage and other wastewater before it is safely discharged into the environment.
Projects can involve new treatment facilities, extensions to existing plants, biological treatment processes, pumping systems, tanks, pipework, instrumentation and automation. These projects frequently bring civil engineering and MEICA teams together throughout construction, commissioning and handover.
Pumping Stations and Pipeline Infrastructure
Water infrastructure isn't limited to treatment plants. Pumping stations, rising mains, water mains and underground networks are essential for moving water and wastewater between communities and treatment facilities. These projects can involve excavation, pipe installation, temporary works, concrete structures, mechanical equipment, electrical installations and complex site coordination.
Mechanical, Electrical and Process Engineering
A major part of modern water infrastructure involves the systems that allow treatment facilities to operate efficiently. This includes pumps, valves, motors, pipework, electrical panels, instrumentation, control systems and automated processes. For mechanical and electrical engineers, the water industry offers opportunities to work on technically demanding infrastructure with a clear purpose.
Water and Wastewater Jobs We Recruit For
At Breagh Recruitment, we recruit construction and engineering professionals for contractors delivering water and wastewater infrastructure across Ireland.
Depending on current vacancies, opportunities may include:
Civil Engineering & Site Delivery
- Site Engineers and Senior Site Engineers
- Civil Engineers and Project Engineers
- Site Managers and Construction Managers
- Site Agents
- Civil Project Managers
Mechanical, Electrical & MEICA
- Mechanical Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- MEICA Project Engineers
- MEICA Project Managers
- Electrical Project Managers
- Mechanical Project Managers
- Commissioning Engineers
Commercial & Project Controls
- Quantity Surveyors
- Commercial Managers
- Estimators
- Planners
Health & Safety & Technical Delivery
- Health & Safety Advisors
- Health & Safety Managers
- Design Engineers
- BIM Coordinators
Not every role requires previous water or wastewater experience. Depending on the employer and position, relevant experience from other construction and engineering sectors may also be considered
Can You Move Into the Water Industry Without Previous Water Experience
Yes, depending on your experience and the requirements of the role. One of the interesting things about the water and wastewater industry is how many different construction disciplines are involved. However that doesn't mean every skill transfers directly, or that specialist water experience isn't important.
But it does mean that professionals shouldn't automatically rule themselves out simply because that haven't previously worked on a wastewater treatment plant. if you're interested in entering the sector, the important thing is understanding which parts of your existing experience are relevant and where you may need additional knowledge. Our consultants can help you explore that.