A new €4m wastewater treatment plant in An Spidéal, County Galway, has been officially commissioned.
Officials from Galway County Council and Uisce Éireann gathered in the picturesque village this week to mark the commissioning of the infrastructure, which will facilitate development in the area and eliminate the discharge of raw sewage into Galway Bay.
Councillor Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council said the new plant will have significant benefits for the environment, local economy and the lives of people who live and visit the village.
“This is a hugely significant development for the local population and for the future development needs of An Spidéal and surrounding areas,” he said.
“The longstanding practice of discharging of raw sewage into Galway Bay has had a significant impact on biodiversity and tourism in the village for many years,” continued Councillor Carroll. “This week’s commissioning of the plant will not only improve water quality but will facilitate future tourism and housing development in the area. It also will be welcomed by the many local hotel, bar and restaurant owners in the area who will be satisfied that their waste is now being treated properly.”
The €4m 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.
According to Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, “Working with Uisce Éireann to deliver this project, we are committed to safeguarding the local environment and enhancing tourism opportunities for coastal communities like An Spidéal. The completion of this project marks another major milestone in the ongoing work to end the unacceptable practice of discharging untreated sewage into our waterways and seas. I wish to commend the staff of the local authority and Uisce Éireann for delivering this vital infrastructure project.”
An Spidéal is among 28 towns and villages around the country that have benefited from the construction of new treatment plants where none existed previously. There are currently 11 more locations under construction including Ahascragh in County Galway which will eliminate raw sewage discharging into the Bunowen (Ahascragh) River.
