The official opening of the new €4 million Spiddal Wastewater Treatment Plant took place last week to mark the end of dumping raw sewage into Galway Bay.
Uisce Éireann was joined by local representatives who saw first-hand the state-of-the-art treatment being provided for wastewater in the village.
The €4 million project consists of the wastewater treatment plant itself, along with a new underground pump station and pipes to direct sewage to it. An existing outfall pipe was reused for the discharge of now-compliant wastewater.
Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr Liam Carroll spoke of his pride at seeing the plant up and running.
He commended the team at Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council who worked together as they navigated the project.
“This is a vital piece of infrastructure for the locality and all those involved in getting us here today deserve our gratitude,” Cllr Carroll said.
“The value of a reliable wastewater service, in a manner that protects the natural environment, cannot be overemphasised. This plant is essential to the economic and social development of this area.”
Plans for the new wastewater treatment plant in Spiddal were approved by An Bord Pleanála in 2019. The new plant will be able to cater for a population of up to 1,000 people, allowing for growth in the area.
The site is on land operated by Údarás na Gaeltachta to the northeast of Scoil Éinne, and adjacent to Spiddal Craft Village and Cuan Studio.
The project was advanced to end the discharge of 600 wheelie bins worth of untreated sewage into Galway Bay each day.
Uisce Éireann’s Paul Fallon paid tribute to the team who brought the significant project to life, saying, “It’s fitting that we are seeing out the end of the year with a celebration here in Spiddal.”
“Eliminating the discharge of raw sewage into Galway Bay has always been a priority for Uisce Éireann and we are proud to be ending this practice, safeguarding the local environment and enhancing tourism opportunities for this beautiful part of the country.”
“We say a big thank you to the local community including Udarás na Gaeltachta, Spiddal Craft and Design Studios, Danu Media, Stiuideo Cuan Teo as well as Scoil Einne for their ongoing support and patience throughout the delivery of this vital project.”
