Turfs up in Sligo as sod is turned on new sewerage scheme for Rosses Point
01 July 2022
Rosses Point renowned for its stunning beaches and natural environment is undoubtedly a jewel along the Wild Atlantic Way. This week, the community of Rosses Point was riding high on the crest of a wave as Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Sligo County Council turned the sod on a new Sewerage Scheme for the village. Upon completion, the flagship project will eliminate all non-compliant sewer over-flows, improve water quality and support housing and commercial development.
A sod turning ceremony to mark the start of the works was performed by Leas Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Marie Casserly, Martin Lydon, Chief Executive of Sligo County Council and representatives from Uisce Éireann and Sligo County Council.
Speaking about the project Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Michael Clarke said: “I’m delighted that works on Rosses Point Sewerage Scheme has commenced. The importance of this project for the local community and visitors alike cannot be underestimated. It will make a huge difference to the water quality of coastal areas in the Rosses Point area."
Michael continued: “Not only will we see a significant improvement in water quality in the natural environment but equally there will be improvements in the built environment. The benefits of these works in terms of the development of Rosses Point Village are immense – the capacity increase in the wastewater network will support social and economic development. People want to live and work in their own communities and this project is supporting the growth of Rosses Point Village now and into the future.”
Martin Lydon, Chief Executive of Sligo County Council also attended the event and added: “I am honoured to be here in Rosses Point to see works commencing on this hugely significant project. The provision of a reliable wastewater service, in a manner that protects the natural environment, is essential to the economic and social development of Rosses Point and Sligo County as a whole. Together with Uisce Éireann we are witnessing yet another step in the right direction to achieving this overall goal.”
Uisce Éireann’s Wastewater Programme Manager John Joyce is proud of the progress made on the project to get it to construction stage and is looking forward to the works progressing. He thanked the people of Rosses Point for their support as work continues over the coming months to deliver the vital infrastructure.
“Uisce Éireann is committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy. This project will also protect our environment by eliminating all non-compliant sewer over-flows and improve water quality in bathing waters in the area."
“Together with our partners Sligo County Council, Coffey Construction Ltd and Jennings O’Donovan Consulting Engineers, we are excited to deliver this project which will benefit the entire region when it’s completed in 2023. We’ll continue to work with the local community and keep them updated as we deliver this vital project.”
The project includes the decommissioning of the old Ballyweelin Wastewater Treatment Plant, construction of a new pumping station at the existing Ballyweelin site, upgrade of Rosses Point Village Pumping Station, construction of an underground stormwater storage tank as well as increasing the capacity of the existing sewer network. A new pipeline will also be constructed between the Rosses Point Village and Sligo Town. Once the project is completed, all wastewater from Rosses Point Village will be pumped into the Sligo Town wastewater network for treatment at the main Sligo Wastewater Treatment Plant.
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.