Green light for €5.8 million Oughterard wastewater and sewerage scheme

By Martina Nee

The long-awaited €5.8 million Oughterard wastewater and sewerage scheme has finally been given the green light with hopes that it will allay concern for the local environment and see an end to impediments to further development in the area.

For many years locals and representatives have expressed concern that delays in providing Oughterard with an adequate wastewater and sewer network facility has stunted chances of further development and growth of the town and its environs, as well as seriously affecting the quality of water and causing environmental damage to Lough Corrib. However, these concerns could soon be a thing of the past as this week Minister for the Environment, Community, and Local Government Phil Hogan announced that approval has been given to Galway County Council’s revised design review proposals for the improvement and expansion of the existing wastewater treatment works and sewer network facility to cater for both immediate and long-term expansion and growth of Oughterard.

The scheme will involve the construction of a new wastewater treatment works to cater for existing wastewater flows as well as providing for the upgrading/replacement of the existing collection network system.

Making the announcement Minister Hogan said: “This contract is included in my department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 - 2013 as a contract to commence construction in that period.

“I know how important this scheme is to the Galway area and I would like to see it progressing through to construction with the minimum of delay. My Department will be asking Galway County Council to advance the design and preparation of contract documents, on which bids will be invited for the construction of the scheme’’.