By Dan Walsh
The latest EPA Urban Wastewater Treatment Report published today, shows the progress being made in tackling long-running issues like raw sewage discharges, while also underlining the need for continued investment in essential wastewater services.
2022 saw the highest annual investment in wastewater to date as Uisce Éireann continues to make progress in priority areas such as locations where there is raw sewage entering the rivers, lakes and the sea, and sites identified by the European Court of Justice under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.
The building, repair and upgrading of Ireland’s wastewater treatment plants and sewer network will require a multi-billion-euro investment programme over many years. Uisce Éireann is focussed on delivering the best possible service improvements, while maximising return on investment.
In County Wexford, a €12.8 million investment by Uisce Éireann has led to improved wastewater treatment in Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Duncannon. The newly completed sewage scheme for Kilmore Quay has eliminated the discharge of raw sewage into the Eastern Celtic Sea and will help protect the local environment.
Works are currently underway to upgrade the wastewater network in Enniscorthy, and once completed, will eliminate untreated discharge to the River Slaney and improve water quality.
Further upgrades are also planned for Grahormac (Tagoat) and Wellingtonbridge under the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme. These projects will be progressed through the current and future investment cycles, subject to approval and planning.
Brian Sheehan, Uisce Éireann’s Head of Infrastructure Delivery, told WexfordLocal.com “Ending raw sewage discharges and improving wastewater treatment for communities across the country are priorities for Uisce Éireann. We are making huge strides in addressing these issues and we are now seeing real and tangible benefits from the unprecedented level of investment in this essential infrastructure. To date over 70% of raw sewage discharges nationwide have been eliminated and we are on track to end the majority by 2025.”
WexfordLocal.com 