Frustration as Mayo town remains 'at a standstill' over treatment plant delays

DEPUTY Keira Keogh this morning met with the Newport Sewage Concern Group in Hotel Newport to hear first-hand the community’s deep frustration over the continued delays to the Newport Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).

Speaking on behalf of the group, Cormac Kelly stated that Newport is “at a standstill”, with no clear path forward for growth or development while the town continues to discharge raw sewage untreated into Clew Bay.

He expressed dismay at the repeated shifting of project timelines over the years.

Deputy Keogh echoed the group’s frustration: “I have stood on the shores of Clew Bay and watched raw sewage being pumped directly into one of our most beautiful natural resources. It is outrageous. It’s unacceptable. No town should be forced to live with this - not in 2025.”

She reaffirmed her strong support for the group and their campaign, stating: “Newport has waited long enough. This is about dignity, about the environment, and about unlocking the future of this town.”

Deputy Keogh outlined her sustained engagement on the issue over the past year, raising it with Uisce Éireann on multiple occasions, with Tánaiste Simon Harris during Programme for Government talks, at parliamentary party meetings, and most recently in direct discussions with Minister of State John Cummins.

She stressed that this is a priority not just for her, but for the county.

Deputy Keogh explained that the project is currently at Stage 2: Preliminary Business Case and is being held up by licensing delays.

Originally requiring a Foreshore Licence, the process had to restart under the newly established Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), with Uisce Éireann now awaiting approval for a Maritime Usage Licence (MUL). This licence is essential for survey work to continue, and the absence of a timeline from MARA is contributing to the uncertainty.

Minister Cummins has committed to bringing Uisce Éireann and MARA together to work through the bottlenecks and agree a path forward.

Minister Cummins assured Deputy Keogh that he will convene Uisce Éireann and MARA at the same table to get to the bottom of the delays and problem-solve a way forward.

“This project has dragged on far too long, and the people of Newport deserve answers.

“I will keep pushing until there’s a clear plan, clear timelines, and real movement. This isn’t just a local issue - it’s about fairness, accountability, and making sure no community is left behind.”