Work on the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) in County Wicklow is continuing to move forward.

Irish Water has submitted an application to the Minister for Housing Planning and Local Government for a foreshore licence to progress the development of the Arklow WwTP.

The new plant will end the current practice of the discharge of raw sewage directly into the Avoca River, safeguarding the wastewater system. It will help protect the environment, facilitate economic development and provide for growing population.

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When complete, the plant will serve over 15,000 people.

John Joyce, Infrastructure Programme Regional Lead with Irish Water, said: "Since Irish Water took over the responsibility for water and wastewater services in January 2014, addressing the need to eliminate the discharge of raw sewage into the River Avoca has been a top priority. The proposed new WwTP will have huge benefits for the residents and businesses in Arklow and the tourists that visit the area as it will improve the water quality in the River Avoca and enable future economic growth in the area. This project is critical in safeguarding the wastewater system in Arklow for the future. The foreshore licence application is another significant step in progressing the works on the plant."

(CM/JG)