Lough Mask investment to reduce carbon emissions

Irish water, working in partnership with Mayo County Council, is investing in high efficiency technology to save energy, reduce carbon emissions, and protect the environment.

The works carried out at Lough Mask, Mayo’s largest water treatment plant, by local contractor Ken McDonnell, will see a 71 tonne reduction in carbon emissions which is equivalent to taking 37 cars off the road.

Commenting on the project, Flint Walter, operations engineer, Irish Water, said: “As a water utility, our key remit is to provide a safe, secure water supply to homes and businesses across the country.

“We do this in a way that provides a safe place of work for the teams delivering the service, in a manner that protects the environment.

“As well as reducing carbon emissions, this €60,000 ‘Invest To Save’ project will bring ongoing financial savings of €19,000 per year which will be reinvested in upgrading and maintaining our water infrastructure.”

Conor O’Toole, Mayo County Council's technical supervisor at Lough Mask, added: “The Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant supplies 45,000 people with water 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. As with any process, problems arise, and our team on the ground has to be able to resolve them.

“In the dark nights of winter the new lighting units will provide a safe environment for our team of operational staff to carry out their duties whenever they are needed.

“The upgraded heating systems will ensure that key pieces of our treatment plant will continue to function in extreme weather conditions.”

This 'invest to save' project is one of a number of similar heating and lighting upgrades taking place across Galway and Mayo in 2019.