Ryan Hanley and Glan Agua have commenced construction work on a €19 million Irish Water project in Co Mayo.

Three wastewater treatment plants are being built in Foxford, Charlestown and Killala, replacing the existing structures and improving the wastewater schemes.

The new upgraded wastewater treatment works will improve the water quality of Killala Bay, the River Moy in Foxford and the Mullaghanoe River in Charlestown.

Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring and Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Blackie K Gavin officially turned the sod on the three plants on Friday 30 November.

Minister Ring said: "Today is a red letter day for these three towns that will benefit greatly from this €19 million investment by Irish Water.

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"These upgrade works will increase the treatment capacity of each of the plants to meet the current needs of the towns and to allow for future growth. The works will also ensure that wastewater is treated and discharged in compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations and with the conditions of the Wastewater Discharge Licence (WWDL) issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It will also improve the water quality of nearby coastal areas, protecting bathing areas and the aquatic environment from pollution."

Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Blackie Gavin, added: "The local communities of Foxford, Killala and Charlestown will benefit greatly from the investment into treatment plants in their areas. We at Mayo County Council have a mandate to ensure the well-being of the citizens of this county, and we want to ensure, in tandem with Irish Water, that these works are fully commissioned and upgraded to provide future growth for these prosperous communities."

The project will ensure environmental protection, improved water quality and underpin the developmental potential of the three towns.

It is expected to be completed by early 2020, serving a population of over 9,000.

Since its inception in 2014 Irish Water has invested over €40 million in Mayo between water and wastewater projects and will be spending a further €70.5 million between now and 2021.

(CM/MH)