The development of a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant has officially got underway in Omeath, Co Louth.

A sod-turning ceremony was held to mark the beginning of construction on the plant and supporting infrastructure, which will bring wastewater treatment to Omeath and surrounding areas for the first time.

The €11 million project, which is being delivered by Irish Water and Louth County Council, will bring significant benefits to the local community in terms of protecting the environment and improving water quality in Carlingford Lough. It will also act as an enabler for housing and support economic growth and development in the area. 

The Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Peter Burke TD was joined by Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Councillor Pio Smith, and representatives from Irish Water and Louth County Council to mark the landmark occasion.

Minister Burke said: "I am delighted to be here today to officially turn the sod and mark the commencement of works on the Omeath Sewerage Scheme. The construction of this new Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated infrastructure is pivotal for the future growth and development of Omeath and surrounding areas, and for the successful delivery of housing. Irish Water is to be commended for progressing this vital project as part of its commitment to the people of Omeath. The provision of a reliable wastewater service, in a manner that protects the natural environment, is essential to the economic and social development of this area. I would like to commend those involved in bringing the project to this important day and I would like to wish the project team well as they progress this much needed wastewater project."

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Colm Claffey, Regional Delivery Lead with Irish Water, added: "We are delighted to begin works on this essential project for the people of Omeath. Eliminating the discharge of untreated wastewater into Carlingford Lough has always been a priority for Irish Water and we look forward to ending this current practice, safeguarding the local environment and enhancing tourism opportunities for this beautiful part of the country.

"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 17 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. 

"Omeath was one of 13 locations nationwide where Irish Water awarded contracts in 2021 to end the discharge of raw sewage. So far in 2022 we have awarded contracts for two additional locations with more to follow in the coming months. 60% 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. We look forward to working closely with the local community on the project."

The project includes the construction of a new, state of the art, wastewater treatment plant that has been designed to provide wastewater treatment for a PE (population equivalent) of up to 1,600, a new network pump station with emergency storage, the installation of new sewer pipelines, and the upgrade and extension of the existing outfall pipe to safely discharge treated effluent to Carlingford Lough in compliance with regulatory standards.

The project is being delivered under the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) Programme on behalf of Irish Water by Veolia Water Ireland Limited, which encourages early engagement and collaboration, allowing contractors to come on board much earlier in the delivery process, resulting in greater scope for innovation in design and construction, and improved efficiencies and timelines.