Marine modelling for Newport treatment system progressing

FINE Gael TD Keira Keogh has confirmed that a detailed marine modelling study of Clew Bay is underway, a key step towards progressing the Newport sewage treatment scheme after years of hold-up.

The hydrodynamic model, developed in collaboration with the Marine Institute and international researchers from Ireland, Greece and Egypt, is seen as a vital tool in determining the safest and most environmentally sound location for the wastewater outflow.

The model simulates how water moves through Clew Bay and will inform where the outflow from the system can be discharged without harming marine life or the bay’s sensitive shellfish ecosystem.

Deputy Keogh said this phase marks a significant technical advancement that has the potential to finally push the stalled project into the next stage, the final business case phase, which will include planning and land acquisition.

“This is an important model as it will provide confidence to the planning authorities that the outflow will be in the right place and can help determine where land can be acquired in the area, a critical component for stage 3, which will take between 12-18 months,” Deputy Keogh told The Connaught Telegraph.

The model uses advanced equipment such as Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers, which monitor underwater currents in real time, helping map how treated water would disperse throughout the bay.

This ensures the project meets stringent environmental standards and avoids contamination risks to aquaculture and tourism.

Despite being identified as a priority in 2014, alongside 50 similar schemes across the country, Newport remains one of the few that has not yet broken ground.

According to the current timeline, Stage 2 will take 12 to 18 months in total, followed by Stage 3 (final business case, another 18 months), and Stage 4 (construction), which could take up to two years.

Even under the most optimistic scenario, the scheme is unlikely to be operational before 2030.