Irish Water has backed up its commitment to end the discharge of raw sewage into Galway Bay with the launch of a new scheme.

The utility has got underway with the Spiddal Sewerage Scheme which will see new wastewater treatment plant and sewerage infrastructure constructed.

Over €4 million is being invested in this project by Irish Water and Galway County Council. Once operational, the new plant and associated infrastructure will ensure compliance with wastewater discharge regulations. It will also improve water quality in Galway Bay and protect recreational waters for swimming, surfing, fishing, boating and sightseeing, as well as protecting the integrity of the local marine environment.

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The works will be carried out by Coffey Water Limited working on behalf of Irish Water and will be delivered in line with COVID-19 restrictions.

Works on the project are expected to commence in the coming weeks and will be completed by early 2024.

Patrick Greene, Regional Infrastructure Lead with Irish Water, commented: "We are looking forward to delivering this important project on behalf of the local community in Spiddal. All new infrastructure has been sized to accommodate future population growth and the project will enhance the local environment and provide a platform for social and economic development of the area well into the future.

"The project will involve construction of a new wastewater treatment plant that will serve a population equivalent of 1,000 which equates to stopping over 600 wheelie bins of raw sewage being discharged to Galway Bay every day. Construction of new sewer pipelines, rising mains and a below ground pumping station will also be required to transport wastewater to and from the new treatment plant in Spiddal.

"We look forward to working with the local community to deliver this essential project in conjunction with our partners Galway County Council and Coffey Water Limited and eliminating the discharge of untreated wastewater into Galway Bay."