Construction is due to get under way this week on a major new underground wastewater storage tank at Merlin Park, representing a significant investment in the city’s future infrastructure.
Uisce Éireann has said it is upgrading the Merlin Park Wastewater Pumping Station on the Old Dublin Road to deliver a significant boost to the capacity of the wastewater network to the east of the city, supporting continued growth and development.
The landmark project, which is being carried out under Uisce Éireann’s Growth and Development Programme, will strengthen the city’s wastewater network and provide additional capacity for the delivery of new homes in the coming years.
Site clearance works were completed at the site of the development in late February. Pre-construction enabling works have been under way at the site in recent weeks ahead of the start of the construction phase of the new 950 cubic metre tank.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, said this week that the start of construction on the scheme represented a major milestone for Galway.
"This project will increase the resilience of the wastewater network to the east of the city while providing capacity for the growth and development of the area," the Minister said.
“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.”
Padraic Fitzgerald, Uisce Éireann programme manager, welcomed the commencement of construction in the delivery of this critical piece of wastewater infrastructure.
“We are delighted to have arrived at the start of construction on this project,” Mr Fitzgerald said. “These upgrades will unlock significant capacity in Galway’s wastewater network, allowing for the development and delivery of essential housing.
“The project will also reduce the risk of sewer flooding in the network, while ensuring compliance with Irish and EU wastewater legislation.”
The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by GMC Utilities Group.
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