A new €5 million state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant has officially opened in the County Galway town of Glenamaddy.

Irish Water collaborated with Galway County Council to bring the exciting new project to life, which will ensure treated wastewater is now fully compliant with EU Urban Wastewater Directives before being safely discharged back into the natural environment.

Speaking at the official opening of the new plant, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr Peter Keaveney said: "I'm delighted to be here to witness the official opening of Glenamaddy Wastewater Treatment Plant. This significant investment will ensure that wastewater is collected and treated to the highest environmental standards. The completion of this project in Glenamaddy is vital to ensure we can provide a platform for future growth in the local community."

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Jim Cullen, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented: "I am honoured to be here today in Glenamaddy at the official opening of the new treatment plant. Irish Water is to be commended for completing this work as part of its commitment to the people of Galway. 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."

Irish Water's Wastewater Programme Manager Paul Fallon added: "The completion of this essential piece of infrastructure for the town will ensure that wastewater from homes and businesses is treated and discharged in full compliance with Irish and European environmental standards. 

"Prior to the completion of this project, the original wastewater treatment plant did not meet the required environmental standards. This resulted in partially treated wastewater being discharged into Glenamaddy Turlough. This project has put an end to this unacceptable practice, leading to significant improvement in the natural environment, bringing benefits for everyone in the county."

The works in Glenamaddy included the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Mountkelly, pumping station on the Creggs Road along with the upgrade of 700m of existing sewer network and a further 1,700m of new rising main and outfall sewers was also installed. The new wastewater treatment plant can now serve a population equivalent of 700 nearly double the capacity of the original wastewater treatment plant. The works were delivered by Ward & Burke Construction Limited on behalf of Irish Water and took approximately 14 months to complete.