Kerrykeel and Kilcar look forward to new beginnings with completion of two wastewater treatment plants
18 December 2023
As the New Year approaches, 2023 will certainly be remembered as a pivotal year for the communities of Kerrykeel and Kilcar as two new sewerage schemes including the construction of two new wastewater treatment plants were completed, representing a €10 million investment by Uisce Éireann in Donegal’s future and environment.
Uisce Éireann has continued to prioritise the elimination of raw sewage from the coast of Donegal and this year has seen another significant leap forward as two new wastewater treatment plants have come into operation, improving the lives of locals and visitors alike.
Not only have the two new treatment plants eliminated the discharge of raw sewage from Mulroy Bay and Tawny Bay respectively, but this investment in Kerrykeel and Kilcar wastewater infrastructure is also an enabler for housing and will support economic growth and development in the area. Another winner from this investment is the receiving environment of Mulroy Bay and Tawny Bay which will now see a significant positive improvement on water quality in both bays for swimming, surfing, fishing and boating.
Uisce Éireann’s Angus Hall paid tribute to the team who brought these two significant projects to life.
“As the New Year approaches, 2023 will certainly be remembered as a pivotal year for the communities of Kerrykeel and Kilcar as two new wastewater treatment plants came into operation. Eliminating the discharge of raw sewage into Mulroy Bay and Tawny Bay has always been a priority for Uisce Éireann and we are proud to be ending this practice, safeguarding the local environment and enhancing tourism opportunities for the communities of Kerrykeel and Kilcar.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the local communities of Kerrykeel and Kilcar for their ongoing support and patience throughout the delivery of these vital projects.”
In Kerrykeel the project included the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant for a population equivalent of approximately 500, a new pumping station, new sewer pipelines to transfer wastewater from the new pumping station to the new treatment plant, and a new outfall pipe to safely discharge treated wastewater to Burnside River in compliance with regulatory standards.
In Kilcar the project included the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant for a population equivalent of approximately 1,800, an upgrade to the existing pumping station, and connection to the existing outfall pipe to safely discharge treated wastewater to Tawny Bay in compliance with regulatory standards. Veolia, working on behalf of Uisce Éireann, delivered the works as part of both projects.
The completion of these two sewerage schemes marks another major milestone in Uisce Éireann’s work to end the unacceptable practice of discharging untreated sewage into our waterways and seas. Kerrykeel and Kilcar are among 28 towns and villages around the country benefiting today from cleaner waters and enhanced amenities due to the construction of new treatment plants where none existed previously.
There are currently 11 more locations under construction including Burtonport, Coolatee, Ramelton, Milford and Rathmullan in Donegal which will eliminate raw sewage discharging into the natural environment. This means that over 70% of all raw sewage discharges nationwide have now been eliminated, with the majority of the remainder set to end by 2025.
Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.