Water projects in Mayo will support new homes, protect the environment
Uisce Éireann has welcomed the Commission for Regulation of Utilities’ (CRU) final determination on Revenue Control 4 (RC4), providing the framework for the delivery of water and wastewater services up to 2029.
As part of this, Uisce Éireann has set out a comprehensive programme of projects, giving clear visibility of planned works across all 26 counties, demonstrating how investment will translate into delivery, improving water services in our communities.
In Co. Mayo, a number of critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects are progressing, including an upgrade at Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant, upgrades to existing wastewater treatment plants in Claremorris and Ballyhaunis, and the development of a new wastewater treatment plant in Newport.
Work is ongoing at the Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant in Tourmakeady, where Uisce Éireann last year commenced a €29 million upgrade which will provide the additional capacity equivalent of 20,000 new homes across south and west Mayo. Works also continue at Claremorris Wastewater Treatment Plant, where an €18 million upgrade commenced late last year.
The Newport Wastewater Treatment Plant project has recently received its Maritime Usage License from the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). This represents an important step in advancing the project. In parallel, work is continuing on the Preliminary Business Case, with good progress made in assessing potential treatment options, locations and network layouts. This phase of the project remains on target for completion later this year.
Justin Johnston, Uisce Éireann’s director of strategy, resilience and regulation, commented: “We welcome the CRU’s determination, which provides a clear and robust framework for the delivery of water services over the next four years. It sets an ambitious agenda for Uisce Éireann in terms of performance, efficiency and accountability.
“Our focus now is on delivery – progressing critical infrastructure, managing our operational and capital expenditure responsibly and efficiently, and meeting the targets set by our regulator.”
Sean Laffey, Uisce Éireann’s director of asset management, added: “This investment will see hundreds of projects being delivered, from water and wastewater treatment and network upgrades to leakage reduction and improvements in service resilience. Critically, it will support housing delivery by enabling new connections and addressing infrastructure constraints in key growth areas.
“The announcement also allows Uisce Éireann to continue to move projects through planning, construction and into operation, while ensuring that investment is translated into tangible improvements in services for customers and communities.
“Communities across the country will see further evidence of projects being advanced, as we work to increase capacity, improve reliability and meet our environmental obligations.”
Major national infrastructure schemes, including the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region and the Greater Dublin Drainage Project, will form a key part of the overall delivery, addressing capacity constraints in areas under the greatest pressure.
While the RC4 €13.6 billion determination provides the baseline for delivery, Uisce Éireann will also bring forward further proposals and projects later this year utilising additional National Development Plan funding aimed at accelerating housing delivery, within the regulatory mechanisms.
Indicative details of regional and local projects being delivered under this programme are available at www.water.ie, providing stakeholders and communities with clear insight into planned works in their area.