Minister Dillon welcomes progress on sewerage scheme in Mayo town
Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has welcomed confirmation that the Newport Sewerage Scheme is now progressing to the public consultation stage, marking a significant step forward in delivering long awaited wastewater infrastructure for the community.
Uisce Éireann has confirmed to Minister Dillon that its Maritime Usage Licence (MUL) application, submitted to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) in December 2024, has advanced following the submission of a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) on January 30, 2026. MARA has since notified Uisce Éireann that the application is moving toward public consultation.
Minister Dillon said this development is “welcome news for Newport and an important milestone in a project that will deliver major environmental, public health, and economic benefits for the town and surrounding areas.”
Minister Dillon noted that this stage is essential to ensuring the project meets all environmental and regulatory requirements: “The move to public consultation is a positive and necessary step. It ensures transparency, community input, and strong environmental oversight as this critical project progresses.”
While the licensing process continues, Uisce Éireann has also reported strong progress on Stage 2 of the project, which focuses on developing the Preliminary Business Case.
Minister Dillon said: “Uisce Éireann has advised me of the completion of the initial site options review, covering potential treatment plant locations, network routing, and marine outfall options. Also, the technical evaluation of shortlisted options is now well-advanced meaning that stage two remains on track for completion in Q3 2026.
‘Once this phase is complete, Uisce Éireann will be in a position to confirm the preferred treatment approach, site selection, and network configuration.”
As technical assessments conclude, Uisce Éireann will then determine: whether additional MARA licences, such as a Maritime Area Consent (MAC), will be required for foreshore construction works, or whether the next step will be the submission of a planning application.
Minister Dillon emphasised his continued support for the project: “This is a vital piece of infrastructure for Newport, and I will continue to work closely with Uisce Éireann and local stakeholders to ensure momentum is maintained. The community has waited a long time for this project, and today’s update is a clear sign of progress.”