Mayo communities see benefits from improving wastewater infrastructure
Investment in wastewater infrastructure in Charlestown, Foxford and Killala has led to improvements in water quality while also supporting housing and economic development in these areas.
That's according to the latest EPA Urban Wastewater Treatment Report, published today, which highlights the progress being made while also highlighting the need for continued investment in essential wastewater services.
In the last six years, Irish Water has prioritised areas where it can support housing and development and have the greatest environmental impact, particularly in locations where raw sewage was discharging into rivers and seas.
Over 60% of raw sewage discharges have been eliminated since 2015 and replaced with treatment capacity for the equivalent of 120,000 people.
In Mayo, Irish Water has completed a project to end the discharge of raw sewage in Killala. The new wastewater treatment plant will serve a population equivalent of 1,800 and brings benefits to Killala in terms of health, integrity of the environment and improved water quality for all. It also allows for social and economic growth in the area.
In Foxford, a new treatment plant with capacity for the equivalent of 3,500 people has been constructed. It ensures compliance with legislation and protects the local rivers and the marine environment.
Meanwhile, an upgrade of the treatment plant in Charlestown will lead to improvements in water quality in the Mullaghanoe River, and plans are also in place to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in Claremorris to allow for continued growth and development in the town.
As reported earlier, new infrastructure to eliminate discharge of raw sewage in Newport is at design stage. This means the majority of raw sewage discharges are on track to be removed by the end of 2025.
Anthony Skeffington, Irish Water’s regional operations manager, commented: “Having a modern, sustainable and functional wastewater network is critical in order to protect our environment and to support housing and economic growth in the years ahead. Irish Water is working closely with the EPA and our other partners, including local authorities, to ensure this can be delivered in the most efficient and sustainable way through the use of cutting edge technologies, science and engineering expertise, and meaningful engagement with local communities around Ireland.”
Mr. Skeffington admitted that challenges remain as much of the infrastructure for safely collecting and treating wastewater around the country has suffered from 'decades of under-investment'.
“But,” he promised, “Irish Water has a plan in place to address these deficiencies and we are making real progress. Continued investment will be required in the coming years to build a modern, fit-for-purpose wastewater network but we are confident that we are on track to achieving that aim.”