A new €29m wastewater treatment plant has been officially opened in Sligo.

The scheme will provide treatment for an initial 50,000 population equivalent, with scope for future expansion to 80,000.

Local Services Minister Michael Finneran described the plant as a benefit to the entire region.

The scheme was designed to ensure wastewater from Sligo town meets the standards of the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.

-- Advertisement --

It is also expected to improve water quality in the receiving waters.

Minister Finneran said the project "reflects the Government's ongoing commitment to preserving and protecting our water resources as a key element of environmental policy, to meeting EU standards for drinking water and wastewater treatment and to putting critical infrastructure in place that will ensure ongoing support for industrial, commercial and other development".

The Minister said the new plant is already ensuring that water quality in the Garavogue River and Sligo Bay is improved.

He suggested further improvements in these water bodies can be anticipated into the future.

(PR/JM)