The Minister for Housing visited Spiddal yesterday to see the progress on the delivery of the new wastewater treatment plant in the village.
Work began last year on the new WWTP, which is expected to be completed in 2023.
The €4 million project aims to end the discharge of more than 600 wheelie bins worth of raw sewage into Galway Bay each day.
When completed, the new treatment plant will be able to cater for a population of up to 1,000 people in the area.
Minister Darragh O’Brien described the project as “pivotal” to protecting the environment, and supporting the future growth of Spiddal.
“The provision of a reliable wastewater service, in a manner that protects the natural environment, is essential to the economic and social development of this area.”
“I would like to thank those involved in progressing this project and I would like to wish the project team well as they continue to work together to deliver this much needed wastewater project.”
Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr Peter Keaveney said that the new WWTP will enhance the tourism opportunities for this part of the county.
“Stopping the discharge of untreated wastewater to Galway Bay has long been a goal of Galway County Council, and we can now look forward to all the benefits of a cleaner environment.”
Spiddal was one of 13 locations nationwide awarded contracts aimed at ending the discharge of raw sewage last year, with two more approved so far this year.
The new wastewater treatment plant will also involve a new below ground pump station, new sewer pipelines to divert untreated wastewater to the pumping station and onto the WWTP, along with reusing the existing outfall pipes.
Patrick Greene of Irish Water thanked Udarás na Gaeltachta, Spiddal Craft and Design Studios, Danu Media, Stiuideo Cuan Teo and Scoil Einne for their support in the delivery of this project.
