A ceremony has been held in Leitrim to mark the official opening of upgrades to six wastewater treatment plants across the county.

Irish Water representatives were joined by Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council Cllr Enda McGloin and Fine Gael TD for Sligo – Leitrim and Assistant Government Chief Whip Tony McLoughlin to celebrate the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Deputy McLoughlin said: "Ensuring that the wastewater which is generated every day in our homes, schools and workplaces is treated in compliance with the EU and national wastewater regulations and is safely returned to the environment is a key priority for Leitrim County Council, for Irish Water and for the Government. The investment Irish Water is making in upgrading our wastewater plants around the country will improve the environment for all of us and is to be welcomed. These projects in Leitrim are another step in the right direction in this regard."

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The upgrades to Manorhamilton, Mohill, Ballinamore, Carrigallen, Drumshanbo, and Leitrim Village wastewater treatment plants were worth over €5.5 million, and ensure all six plants comply with national and European environmental regulations and that receiving waters are protected at all locations.

The work has modernised the plants, improved energy efficiency, and ensured there is adequate spare capacity at each location to support population and economic growth across the county.

This scheme was carried out in two projects, with Coffey Water completing the Mohill and Manorhamilton works and RCC Engineering delivering the Ballinamore, Carrigallen, Drumshanbo and Leitrim Village project.

Colm Boyd, Infrastructure Programme Regional Lead at Irish Water added: "This €5.5 million investment in Co Leitrim is being made as part of Irish Water's national strategy which aims to bring Ireland's wastewater infrastructure to an acceptable standard, capable of supporting growing populations and economic development.

"This strategy is addressing issues where partially treated wastewater is being discharged into our environment, causing environmental damage and breaching environmental legislation."

(CM/JG)