It was a historic occasion for Glenamaddy as Irish Water and Galway County Council officially opened a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant following a €5 million euro investment. The new infrastructure ensures that treated wastewater is now fully compliant with EU Urban Wastewater Directives before being safely discharged back into the natural environment.
At a special event in recent days to mark the occasion, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr Peter Keaveney welcomed the significant investment by Irish Water.
“This will ensure that wastewater is collected and treated to the highest environmental standards. The completion of this project in Glenamaddy is vital to ensure we can provide a platform for future growth in the local community,” he said.
Jim Cullen, Chief Executive of Galway County Council said Irish Water is to be commended for completing this work as part of its commitment to the people of Galway. The provision of a reliable wastewater service, in a manner that protects the natural environment, is essential to the economic and social development across the county.”
Irish Water’s Wastewater Programme Manager Paul Fallon said: “The completion of this essential piece of infrastructure for the town will ensure that wastewater from homes and businesses is treated and discharged in full compliance with Irish and European environmental standards.
“Prior to the completion of this project, the original wastewater treatment plant did not meet the required environmental standards. This resulted in partially treated wastewater being discharged into Glenamaddy Turlough. This project has put an end to this unacceptable practice, leading to significant improvement in the natural environment, bringing benefits for everyone in the county.”
The works in Glenamaddy included the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Mountkelly, pumping station on the Creggs Road along with the upgrade of 700m of existing sewer network and a further 1,700m of new rising main and outfall sewers was also installed.
The new wastewater treatment plant can now serve a population equivalent of 700 nearly double the capacity of the original wastewater treatment plant. The works were delivered by Ward & Burke Construction Limited on behalf of Irish Water and took approximately 14 months to complete.
Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.
