A €139 million project to provide wastewater treatment for the first time in Arklow has made significant progress.

Health Minister and local representative Stephen Donnelly visited the site of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant to see how the project is moving forward.

When completed, the new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant will bring significant benefits to the area including environmental protection and improved water quality in the River Avoca for angling, water sports and marine life. It will also act as an enabler for housing and support economic growth and development in the town.

Speaking from the site, Minister Donnelly commented: "The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant Project demonstrates how Irish Water is delivering infrastructure that is critical for our health, our communities and our economy. The provision of adequate wastewater treatment, in a manner that protects the natural environment and subsequently our health, is essential to the growth and development of this beautiful town.

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"I would like to commend Irish Water for progressing this vital project as part of its commitment to the people of Arklow and wish the project team well as they continue their important work on this much needed wastewater treatment plant."

The Minister, along with local councillors Pat Fitzgerald and Tommy Annesley, was updated on the significant amount of work already undertaken as part of the project as well as the works currently underway on the North and South Quays, which are progressing well and on schedule. The next phase of the project, which is due to begin in in the coming weeks, involves the installation of the new interceptor sewer pipelines along the North and South quays which will bring untreated wastewater to the new plant. To minimise the impact on the local community, the majority of this work will be carried out using modern trenchless technology (Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) pictured), meaning a lot of the construction will take place almost entirely underground without large open excavations.

Irish Water's Michael Tinsley added: "The size and scale of the task to deliver efficient wastewater services for a modern, growing economy while safeguarding the environment shouldn't be underestimated. We have made significant progress but there is work still to do as we continue to build world class wastewater infrastructure through our multi-billion programme of investment.

"Arklow 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.

"Finally, I would like to thank the people of Arklow for their continued cooperation and support as we continue to work together to deliver this vital project."