Enabling works are due to begin in the coming weeks to prepare for the construction of the new Merlin Park Wastewater Pumping Station upgrade on Galway’s Dublin Road, which will support the development of essential new homes. The project is being carried out as part of Uisce Éireann’s Growth and Development Programme.
The project involves constructing a new underground wastewater storage tank at the existing Merlin Park Pumping Station. The new tank will provide additional wastewater capacity in the network, allowing for growth in the area and alleviating pressure on the network.
James Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, welcomed the project.
“This is positive news for Galway city. This significant investment will provide increased wastewater capacity for the east side of the city and strengthen the infrastructure needed to support the area’s development,” said Minister Browne.
“Public water and wastewater services are essential to facilitating housing delivery as reflected in our new Housing Action Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities.
“Continued investment is also essential to sustain and improve existing infrastructure in local communities. That is why in the recent Budget and through the National Development Plan, we have increased Uisce Éireann’s funding to accelerate sustainable management of our water and wastewater infrastructure.”
Works are due to begin on site from Monday, February 23. The first phase of work will involve site clearance, which is necessary to prepare the site for construction.
Padraic Fitzgerald, Uisce Éireann Programme Manager, highlighted some of the benefits that the project will provide.
“We are delighted that this long-awaited project has finally arrived at the commencement stage. This upgrade will provide an urgently needed increase in the capacity of Galway’s wastewater network, unlocking significant growth and development on the east side of the city, including the delivery of essential housing,” said Padraic.
Uisce Éireann has engaged directly with local residents ahead of the start of the enabling works and has also briefed elected members of the local authority and local Oireachtas members on the project plans.
