The Government has granted a foreshore licence for the development of the Arklow wastewater treatment plant.

The new wastewater treatment plant will result in significant improvements to water quality in Arklow by ending the discharge of raw sewage directly into the Avoca River, safeguarding the environment and facilitating social and economic development.

Plans are at an advanced stage and the necessary planning permissions, lands and licences have been secured. The procurement of the construction contract is concluding and, subject to Ministerial consent, construction work is expected to begin in the second half of 2021.

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The project will provide wastewater treatment through the development of a new, state of the art, wastewater treatment plant at the Old Wallboard Factory, North Quay, Ferrybank in Arklow. The project will also include the construction of two interceptor sewers (along the North and South Quay) to bring untreated wastewater to the new treatment plant, and a marine outfall pipe to safely discharge the treated effluent into the Irish Sea.

Michael Tinsley, Portfolio Delivery Manager with Irish Water, said: "We welcome the decision by the Minister to grant the licence and allow us to progress with the development of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant project. Eliminating the discharge of untreated wastewater into the River Avoca continues to be a key priority for Irish Water and this project is critical in ending this current practice and safeguarding the wastewater system in Arklow for the future.

"The new wastewater treatment plant will have significant benefits for both residents and businesses as well as tourists that visit the area as it will improve the water quality in the River Avoca and enable future economic growth. We will continue to working closely with the local community and will issue further updates as we progress with this vital project."