The Killala, Foxford and Charlestown Wastewater Treatment Plants have officially opened following a €19 million investment which has ended the discharge of raw sewage to the environment in Co Mayo.

Minister Peter Burke welcomed the significant investment by Irish Water which included the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Killala.

Minister Burke said: "I am honoured to be here today in Killala to officially open the new and upgraded wastewater treatment plants in Killala, Foxford and Charlestown. Irish Water is to be commended for completing this work as part of its commitment to the people of Mayo. The provision of a reliable wastewater service, in a manner that protects the natural environment, is essential to the economic and social development across the county."

The new and upgraded treatment plants will bring huge benefits to the local communities in terms of protection of the environment; improved water quality for angling, water sports and marine life.

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Cathaoirleach of Ballina Municipal District, Cllr Annie May Reape said: "I'm delighted to be here to witness the successful completion and official opening of Killala, Foxford and Charlestown Wastewater Treatment Plants. The completion of these essential projects is vital to ensure we can provide a platform for future growth in these communities. They will also make a huge difference to Killala Bay and our natural environment."

The newly constructed wastewater treatment plant in Killala is now able to serve a population equivalent (PE) of 1,800 providing a platform for future social and economic growth.

In Foxford, a new treatment plant was built to serve a population equivalent of 3,500, this also included the construction of a new pumping station and upgrade of the three existing pumping stations; installation of a new rising main and upgrade of the collection network.

The existing wastewater treatment plant in Charlestown was also upgraded to increase the capacity to 3,400 (PE) as well as the installation of new sewers and a new outfall to the Mullaghanoe River.

Niall Gleeson, Irish Water’s Managing Director added: "The size and scale of the challenge of raw sewage discharging into our water ways is well documented. Since 2014, Irish Water has built new wastewater infrastructure for 16 towns and villages across the country, ending the discharge of raw sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas; the equivalent of 100,000 people’s worth, every day. Half of the raw sewage entering waterways in Ireland has now been eliminated and we are on track to fully removing the majority of raw sewage discharges by 2025.

"The new sewerage schemes that we are celebrating today will ensure that wastewater is adequately treated and meets appropriate standards before being safely discharged into the environment."