Boosting Galway’s growth as work begins on major Merlin Park investment

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Construction will get underway next week on a major new underground wastewater storage tank at Merlin Park to the east of Galway city, a significant investment in the city’s future infrastructure. 

Uisce Éireann 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 underway at the site in recent weeks ahead of the start of the construction phase of the new 950m3 tank. 

James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, said: “The commencement of construction of this project is a major milestone for Galway city. 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."

“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”, said Padraic. “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.  

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed. We encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channel @IWCare and our customer care helpline, which is open 24/7 at 1800 278 278. 

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.