Irish Water to invest €19m. in three Mayo towns

IRISH Water is to invest €19 million to end the discharge of untreated wastewater from Killala, Foxford and Charlestown.

Along with Mayo County Council the agency is are working to end the discharge of untreated water into Killala Bay and to help improve the water quality in the Mullaghanoe River and the River Moy.

This project will have major benefits for health, the environment, tourism and future growth prospects in Mayo communities.

In Killala, the project which will include the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant to serve a population equivalent (PE) of 2,300; a new pumping station; and the upgrade of the associated sewer network.

This will ensure that wastewater discharging to Killala Bay meets appropriate discharge standards.

The Foxford and Charlestown sewerage schemes will upgrade the wastewater treatment networks in both towns in order to provide wastewater treatment for the current population and for future growth in the area

In Foxford, this will entail the construction of a new treatment plant to serve a population equivalent of 3,600, the construction of a new pumping station and upgrade of the three existing pumping stations; installation of a new rising mains and upgrade of the collection network.

In Charlestown, the work will involve upgrading the existing wastewater treatment plant to increase the capacity to 3,250 PE as well as the installation of new sewers and a new outfall to the Mullaghanoe River.

Welcoming the news, Minister Michael Ring said: “I commend Councillor Neil Cruise for his work on the Foxford and Charlestown scheme. I commend Councillor Jarlath Munnelly for his work on the Killala Scheme.

"I am aware that both Councillor Neil Cruise and Councillor Jarlath Munnelly have put a lot of pressure on Mayo County Council and they have been working on this for a long time.

“I have no doubt this project will bring major benefits to these communities in terms of health, development potential and better water quality for all.

“By ensuring that all discharges meet the requirements as set out in the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, it will help protect the receiving waters.

“This in turn will enhance the quality of life and amenity value, and act as a platform for social and economic development in Killala, Foxford, Charlestown and the surrounding areas.

“I have been advised that Irish Water has signed a contract with Glan Agua to deliver this essential project. Construction is expected to get underway in the coming weeks with the project due to be completed by early 2020.”

Peter Hynes, chief executive, Mayo County Council, stated: "We are delighted that the funding is now available to bring these vital projects to construction, based on the initial planning and design work carried out by Mayo County Council over many years, and the subsequent detailed design work, which was completed in partnership with Irish Water.

"Mayo County Council work to improve environmental compliance and growth prospects of the county through many projects, initiatives and schemes. These key projects will achieve our aims and strengthen the health, and growth prospects for the county.

"We look forward to delivering this project, and to working in partnership with Irish Water and Glan Agua for its successful implementation.

"We work in partnership with Irish Water to deliver water services across the county to improve and enhance the water quality for County Mayo, and the environmental standard of wastewater discharges. I very much welcome that this investment is being delivered for the towns of Killala, Foxford and Charlestown. We look forward to working on this project with Glan Agua from their base at the Cairn International Trade Centre, Kiltimagh."

Speaking of the project, the cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Richard Finn, said: ‘I am delighted that the projects are coming to fruition for County Mayo, the three towns involved will see an ongoing positive effect on their socioeconomic growth and development.."