Irish Water happy with progress of €9m north Mayo sewerage scheme

IRISH Water has expressed its satisfaction with the pace of work on the €9 million Belmullet Sewerage Scheme contract.

The project, which commenced on the ground in June of this year, is ahead of schedule and when completed will remove Belmullet from the list of 44 towns nationally where wastewater is discharged untreated.

This is great news for residents who use the local beaches and for local business, especially tourism. Broadhaven and Blacksod Bays are both Special Areas of Conservation and designated shellfish waters and this project will bring to an end the practice of discharging untreated wastewater into one of the most scenic places on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Fifty per cent of the pipeline construction works are completed and preparatory work has also been completed on the wastewater treatment plant site to allow for the first concrete pour to take place this week.

The project is on target to be completed inside the 18 month timeline that was originally outlined.

Colm Claffey, Wastewater Programme Regional Lead, commented: “Irish Water expects pipeline construction work to be completed in April 2017 and acknowledges the co-operation of local residents and business owners while works are being carried out.

“We are especially pleased that Broadhaven and Blacksod Bays which are both Special Areas of Conservation and designated shellfish waters will now be protected from untreated sewerage and their scenic landscape will be preserved.”

Erris Chamber of Commerce president Damien Langan added: “The local business community are delighted with the progress the contractors are making. We have been kept fully informed of how the project is progressing and we are looking forward to reaping all of the benefits that this new wastewater treatment plant will bring to Belmullet and the wider region.”

The benefits include the development of a robust wastewater treatment plant in Belmullet, the capacity to cater for future population and economic growth in what is a thriving market town, compliance with national wastewater legislation, along with health and environmental benefits and improved water quality for all.

Roadbridge and EPS are carrying out the works on behalf of Irish Water and in partnership with Mayo County Council.

This project forms part of Irish Water’s investment plan where over €530 million will be invested in upgrading services in 2016 to improve the country’s water and wastewater infrastructure. The Irish Water Business Plan has earmarked almost €2 billion in improving wastewater quality and capacity up to 2021.