The Gweedore Sewerage Scheme in Donegal has been recognised for its excellence in innovation at this year's annual National Procurement Awards.

Irish Water is working with Donegal County Council and the local community to deliver a sewerage system for Gweedore. Work is underway on the initial Demonstration Project, which includes constructing a pressure sewer pipe network and installing pods at 40 properties. The collected wastewater will then be treated at the existing Údaras na Gaeltachta wastewater treatment plant which will be upgraded. The collection network will subsequently roll out to the wider area.

This innovative new sewerage scheme will ultimately lead to a reduction on the reliance of septic tanks in the area. This will also reduce untreated wastewater in the environment by having enhanced treatment of wastewater.

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The new sewerage scheme will improve the water quality in Gweedore Bay and local rivers and streams; provide better treatment of wastewater to protect the environment and ensure Gweedore is in compliance with Irish and European regulations.

The project was praised for its 'innovation' at this year's 2019 National Procurement Awards ceremony which took place on Thursday 14 November, at Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin, where it secured the 'Most Innovative Use of Technology' award.

The National Procurement Awards recognises and celebrates the most impressive and transformative procurement projects over the past 12 months and the teams who drive them.

Irish Water was in the same company as firms like Coillte, Iarnród Éireann, Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals and Verizon Sourcing Ireland to secure National Procurement accolades.

Irish Water's Mark O’Callaghan commented: "Irish Water is delighted to be able to use this combination of US and Australian technologies to deliver an innovative sewerage scheme to the people of Gweedore. Its benefits will have an immediate positive impact on the natural environment whilst supporting growth and development in Gweedore."

(CM/MH)