Work to build and upgrade four new wastewater treatment plants in Co Donegal is now complete.

The facilities were officially opened by Tony McLoughlin TD and Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Seamus O'Domhnaill, on Friday 14 September.

The project was delivered by Veolia Water Ireland as part of a €25 million investment by Irish Water.

The water utility company said: "Working in partnership with Donegal County Council, we have invested in the construction of two new wastewater treatment plants in Bundoran and Killybegs where raw sewage was being discharged out to sea.

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"The works in Bundoran have put a stop to the discharge of the equivalent of 9,600 wheelie bins of raw sewage per day into the sea while in Killybegs, the equivalent of 3,300 wheelie bins of raw sewage are now no longer being discharged. A new wastewater treatment plant was also constructe in Glencolumbkille while wastewater infrastructure upgrade works are complete in Convoy."

Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony, Tony McLoughlin TD said: "Prior to the completion of these works, Bundoran and Killybegs were two of the 44 locations around Ireland where wastewater was being discharged into the sea untreated. It is hard to believe that this was permitted to occur for so long considering the importance of the vibrant surfing and sea recreation that takes places in the region.

"Irish Water is to be commended for completing this work as part of its commitment to end the practise of discharging untreated wastewater across Ireland by 2021. This necessary project will ensure environmental protection and improved water quality in four locations across Donegal while underpinning the developmental potential of the four areas."

(LM/CM)