Wastewater treatment plant in Athenry upgraded to protect public health and the local environment

Upgraded plant is officially opened by Minister Murphy

Irish Water, working in partnership with Galway County Council, has completed an upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant in Athenry which will protect public health and the local environment, as well as acting as an enabler of future economic growth.

Irish Water has invested €5 million in the upgrade, which  included the construction of a new wastewater system. The upgraded plant will ensure compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive requirements and, in doing so, protect the Clarin River.
The upgraded plant  was officially opened by Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy TD;  Councillor Jimmy Mc Clearn, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council; and Eamon Gallen, Managing Director of Irish Water on Monday 8 July.

Speaking at today’s opening Minister Murphy stated “The Government, working in partnership with Irish Water and the local authorities, is committed to leading delivery of a new era in investment in our national water and wastewater infrastructure assets. Projects like this in Athenry are essential to protect the health of our families, the environment, to enable economic development in our local communities, and to safeguard Ireland’s water”

Facilitate future population growth and commercial development in Athenry

Prior to the upgrade works, the plant was operating beyond its capacity. The upgraded wastewater treatment plant can now cater for a population equivalent of 9,500 and will be able to facilitate future population growth and commercial development in Athenry.

Attending the event in Athenry, Eamon Gallen, Managing Director of Irish Water, added “The size and scale of the challenges facing Irish Water are not to be underestimated but through the expertise of Irish Water, the local authorities, our contractors and their design teams we are  investing and upgrading our water and wastewater infrastructure to bring it in line with international standards.”

Councillor Jimmy Mc Clearn, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council stated “This investment is needed to provide Athenry with the infrastructure to support the building of houses, schools, to attract new industry and to allow the companies we have to expand and grow. As our economy grows, so does the requirement for critical national infrastructure.  It’s important in supporting future population growth, housing developments, new businesses and to ensure that Galway maintains its attractiveness as a location for foreign direct investment.”

Find out more about all our upgrades on our Projects and Plans page.