Irish Water, Ireland’s national water utility, has announced details of a €9 million investment in the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Belmullet, Co. Mayo.

Belmullet is one of 44 towns around Ireland where wastewater is discharged untreated - the works to be carried out by Irish Water will end this practice in Belmullet.

Over 2,500 people are set to benefit from the new treatment plant. - Roadbridge and EPS will carry out the works on behalf of Irish Water. Works on the new plant are due to begin this summer and are set to take 18 months to complete. 

Commenting on the investment Regional Information Officer for Irish Water Sean Corrigan said:

“This is a good news story for the community of Belmullet which is finally receiving this long overdue investment. The practice of discharging untreated wastewater in one of the most scenic places on the Wild Atlantic Way should not be happening and the new waste water treatment plant is a vital piece of infrastructure for a thriving market town.”

Belmulllet is currently on the EPA’s published list of 44 sites with no wastewater treatment facilities and one of the primary drivers for this project was the protection of Broadhaven Bay and Blacksod Bay, both Special Areas of Conservation and designated Shellfish Waters.

The project will ensure that wastewater is treated and discharged in compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001, and conditions as set out in the EPA’s Wastewater Discharge Licence (WWDL). It will also improve the water quality of nearby coastal areas, protecting bathing areas and the aquatic environment from pollution.

The new plant forms part of Irish Water’s investment plan where over €530 million will be invested in upgrading services in 2016 to improve the country’s water and wastewater infrastructure. The Irish Water Business Plan has earmarked almost €2 billion in improving wastewater quality and capacity up to 2021.