In a momentous occasion for Spiddal and the surrounding communities, Uisce Éireann, alongside representatives from Galway County Council, Coffey, Mott McDonald, Jennings O’Donovan, and the local community, officially inaugurated the new Spiddal Wastewater Treatment Plant last Friday afternoon. This state-of-the-art facility marks a pivotal step forward in safeguarding the environment, enhancing water quality, and fostering sustainable development in the region.
Coffey, in collaboration with Mott McDonald and Jennings O’Donovan, led the design and construction of this transformative project on behalf of Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council. The new plant brings a multitude of benefits to the local Spiddal community and visitors, not only by eliminating the unacceptable discharge of raw sewage into Galway Bay but also by paving the way for future housing developments and economic growth in the area.
Uisce Éireann’s Paul Fallon expressed his gratitude to the dedicated team behind this new plant.
“It’s fitting that we are seeing out the end of the year with a celebration here in Spiddal. Eliminating the discharge of raw sewage into Galway 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 this beautiful part of the country.
We say a big thank you to the local community including Udarás na Gaeltachta, Spiddal Craft and Design Studios, Danu Media, Stiuideo Cuan Teo as well as Scoil Einne for their ongoing support and patience throughout the delivery of this vital project.”
Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Councillor Liam Carroll, echoed Paul Fallon’s sentiments, expressing his pride in the successful completion of the project.
“This is a vital piece of infrastructure for the locality and all those involved in getting us here today deserve our gratitude. The value of a reliable wastewater service, in a manner that protects the natural environment, cannot be overemphasiseded. This plant is essential to the economic and social development of this area.”
John Gibbons, Operations Director of Coffey, emphasised the strategic importance of this development to Spiddal and its surrounding areas.
“Coffey is honored to have delivered this landmark project for Uisce Éireann. We recognise the immense significance of this development not only in terms of environmental protection but also in unlocking the untapped potential for growth and development in Spiddal. Completion of the Spiddal Wastewater Treatment Plant will play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of water in Galway Bay. By effectively treating wastewater before discharge, the plant will help to reduce the levels of pollutants and contaminants that can harm marine life and make the water unsafe for swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities.”
The €4 million project encompasses a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade, including a new wastewater treatment plant with a capacity to serve a population of up to 1,000, a below-ground pump station, new sewer pipelines, and the reuse of the existing outfall pipe to safely release treated effluent into Galway Bay in compliance with stringent regulatory standards.
The completion of this project marks another significant milestone in Uisce Éireann’s ongoing commitment to eradicating the unacceptable practice of discharging untreated sewage into our waterways. Spiddal joins 28 other towns and villages across the country that are now reaping the benefits of cleaner waters and enhanced amenities due to the construction of new treatment plants where none existed previously.
This landmark project represents the future for Spiddal and its surrounding communities, paving the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous future. By safeguarding the environment and fostering sustainable development, the new Spiddal Wastewater Treatment Plant embodies the collective commitment of Uisce Éireann, Galway County Council, and the local community to preserving the natural beauty and unlocking the untapped potential of this vibrant region.
Call Coffey on 091 844 356 or, email info@coffeygroup.com for more details on this project or to discuss our other work with Uisce Éireann.
