Uisce Éireann has launched a new wastewater treatment plant in Spiddal, Galway Bay.

The new treatment plant will improve the lives of locals and visitors by protecting the environment and improving water quality in the bay for swimming, surfing, fishing and boating. Not only has the new treatment plant eliminated the discharge of raw sewage but it is an enabler for housing and will support economic growth and development in the area.

Working on behalf of Uisce Éireann, Mott MacDonald and Coffey Water Limited delivered the works.

The €4 million project includes the new wastewater treatment plant for a population equivalent of up to 1,000, a below ground pump station, new sewer pipelines to divert untreated wastewater to the new pumping station and onto the new wastewater treatment plant, and the reuse of the existing outfall pipe to safely discharge treated wastewater to Galway Bay in compliance with regulatory standards.

-- Advertisement --

Uisce Éireann’s Paul Fallon said: "It's fitting that we are seeing out the end of the year with a celebration here in Spiddal. Eliminating the discharge of raw sewage into Galway Bay has always been a priority for Uisce Éireann and we are proud to be ending this practice, safeguarding the local environment and enhancing tourism opportunities for this beautiful part of the country.

"We say a big thank you to the local community including Udarás na Gaeltachta, Spiddal Craft and Design Studios, Danu Media, Stiuideo Cuan Teo as well as Scoil Einne for their ongoing support and patience throughout the delivery of this vital project."

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Councillor Liam Carroll stated: "This is a vital piece of infrastructure for the locality and all those involved in getting us here today deserve our gratitude. The value of a reliable wastewater service, in a manner that protects the natural environment, cannot be over emphasised. This plant is essential to the economic and social development of this area."