Irish Water has appointed a contractor to build a new wastewater treatment plant for a milestone project which will see the discharge of raw sewage from Liscannor ended.
The works to end the long running practice of discharging raw sewage into Liscannor Bay are due to get underway in the coming months following the appointment of EPS to construct the new plant.
Wastewater in the Liscannor area is currently treated by a septic tank system which discharges poorly treated effluent into the bay near Liscannor pier. The long-running practice has impacts on water quality, detracts from the amenity value of Liscannor and does not comply with EU regulations relating to the treatment of wastewater.
Irish Water, working in partnership with Clare County Council, is committed to eliminating the discharge of raw sewage into Liscannor Bay. The construction of the new wastewater treatment scheme will bring big benefits to the West Clare village by improving water quality, protecting the local environment and supporting new homes and businesses.
To address this, Irish Water is building a new wastewater treatment plant with capacity for a population of 1,150, along with approximately 1.2km of sewer pipelines, a pump station and a storm water storage tank. This will ensure that all wastewater from the village will be collected and treated before being returned safely to the environment.
It is expected that construction will get underway later this summer and take approximately 18 months to complete.
Caroline O’Reilly, Irish Water’s Programme Manager, said:
“This is a major milestone for this project and for the village of Liscannor – one of the most popular destinations on the Wild Atlantic Way. The discharge of raw sewage into our precious marine environment is unacceptable and ending this practice is a top priority for Irish Water. The benefits of this work will be enormous – not only will it ensure cleaner water for swimmers, surfers and other recreational users, but it will also provide a platform for social and economic development in Liscannor.
“The environmental benefits will also be significant, ensuring that wastewater is treated in a sustainable way and returned safety to the environment. Cleaner waters will protect marine life, support biodiversity and enhance the amenity value of the area.”
Since 2014, Irish Water has stopped approximately 50% of untreated and inadequately treated wastewater that was being discharged to rivers and the sea, with the completion of new wastewater treatment plants in 16 towns across the country.
Irish Water’s investment plan prioritises public health and safety by targeting locations where there is no treatment for raw sewage or where the treatment is not in compliance with the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.
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