The County Limerick village of Athea has been boosted with a new state-of-the-art Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Members of the local community and elected representatives joined staff from Irish Water, Limerick City and County Council and contractors to tour the new facility.

Developed by the Council and delivered by TES Group Limited and Nicholas O'Dwyer Consulting Engineers, the new plant represents an investment of almost €2m in the local community which will help protect the environment and support ongoing growth and development in Athea.

Irish Water described the project as "the equivalent of upgrading from 1970s Cortina to a 2019 Hybrid Electric Vehicle".

Speaking at the opening event, Minister of State Patrick O'Donovan said: "I am delighted see this new wastewater treatment plant up and running. This is an important investment which will bring big benefits to Athea now and for many years to come. Athea is a thriving community which has always taken enormous pride in its local environment and heritage through the great work of groups like the Tidy Towns and the Community Council.

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"The completion of this treatment plant is a further boost to the community after so many years and its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The state-of-the art wastewater treatment it provides will protect the River Galey and other local waterways while also ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to ensure Athea can continue to grow and thrive."

Irish Water's Alan Morrissey added: "The original wastewater treatment plant was built in the 1940s and was no longer fit for purpose. Environmental standards have improved a great deal since then, while population growth and lifestyle changes have added to the need for much improved wastewater treatment. This new plant will ensure that wastewater from Athea will be treated to the high standards set out by the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations, safeguarding water quality in the River Galey and other local waterways and ensuring the treatment capacity is in place to support growth and development in Athea for years to come.

"The old plant provided many years of good service but standards, expectations and technology have moved on and this new system means better performance, higher safety standards and enhanced environmental protection. That is very good news for the local community."

(CM/JG)