Hogan approves signing of Clifden Sewerage Scheme contracts

The development of the Clifden Sewerage Scheme has taken a significant step forward this week after Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, gave the Galway County Council the go-ahead to sign contracts with successful tenderers ensuring that this vitally important project will commence as soon as possible.

Deputy Mayor of County Galway Cllr Eileen Mannion welcomed the decision by Minister Hogan stating that the project is a “great infrastructural development for the town of Clifden, as it will upgrade the network and upgrade and increase the treatment capacity of Clifden Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Minister Hogan announced on Tuesday that he had given approval to the commitment to the necessary capital funding to enable Galway County Council accept the most economically advantageous tenders from Wills Brothers Ltd in the amount of €2.93 million for the network contract and from Electrical and Pump Services Limited (EPS Ltd ) in the amount of €2.19 million for the wastewater treatment plant design build operate contract for the Clifden Sewerage Scheme, with a view to work commencing on these contracts as quickly as possible.

Speaking this week, Cllr Mannion said: “The upgrade of Clifden Sewerage Scheme is vitally important for all existing residents and businesses in Clifden as well as any future developments. Clifden has been waiting over 15 years for this infrastructure. In 1995, the Clifden Regeneration Strategy cited a new waste water treatment plant as being necessary for the growth of Clifden.

“The loss of the Blue Flag beach status has had a detrimental impact on tourism in the town. Every year Clifden received negative publicity when the EPA announced their Quality of Bathing Water in Ireland results, with Clifden beach bathing waters being classified as ‘poor’ over the last few years. The water quality should improve from 2015.

"This is a significant infrastructural development for Clifden at a time when our economy is still recovering,” concluded Cllr Mannion.

During his announcement, Minister Hogan agreed that the project is “vitally important” noting that it is funded under the Environment Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 to 2013.

Minister Hogan said: “It will greatly expand the quality and scale of the wastewater infrastructure in the county, and will provide capacity to support economic growth and to facilitate new development, while also preserving environmental and water quality standards. The financial support from my Department for this project reflects the commitment for continuing investment in our wastewater schemes to ensure that discharges into our rivers, lakes, and coastal water meet the highest international standards.”

 

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