Improvement work has been completed on the Oughterard Wastewater Treatment Plant in Galway.

The work included the development of a new treatment plant on a green field site, as part of a €4.2 million investment by Irish Water.

The works will ensure wastewater is treated and discharged in compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001, and conditions set out in the EPA's Wastewater Discharge Licence.

One of the major benefits of the project is that it will improve water quality in the Owenriff River and Lough Corrib, areas of ecological importance as one of the most important freshwater pearl mussel rivers in Ireland. In addition, the upgrade will support future population and economic growth.

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Speaking at the official opening, Colm Boyd, Wastewater Treatment Programmes Regional Lead, said: "This upgrade will bring far reaching benefits to this thriving town located at the gateway to Connemara by ensuring future population and economic growth can be facilitated. The environmental benefits are also hugely important given the sensitivity of the receiving waters of the Owenriff River and Lough Corrib. We are delighted to be officially opening this facility today for the benefit of the local community and many tourists that visit the area."

Contractors Glan Agua carried out the work which took a year to complete.

(CD/LM)