Uisce Éireann has confirmed that the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Ballyvaughan will get underway in the coming weeks.

The €11 million euro investment will see the construction of a new wastewater plant that will service a population equivalent of almost 1,050 in the coastal village.

Working in partnership with Clare County Council, Uisce Éireann is committed to ending the unacceptable practice of untreated wastewater being discharged into Ballyvaughan Bay.

The water company said the new treatment plant will bring a host of benefits to Ballyvaughan including:

• significantly improving the water quality in Ballyvaughan Bay
• better health and integrity of the environment
• ensuring capacity is available for future social and economic growth in the area
• improved water quality for recreational swimming, surfers, fishing, boating, and sightseeing

Crucially, the project will ensure compliance with national and EU regulations relating to the treatment of wastewater.

Commenting on the benefits of the vital infrastructure for the community, Esther White, Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann, said:

“We are delighted to be commencing construction of this significant project for the local community in Ballyvaughan. This project will end the current practice of discharging untreated wastewater into the Ballyvaughan Bay, thereby, improving water quality and protecting marine life. The project reflects Uisce Éireann’s ongoing commitment to the efficient delivery of critical infrastructure to support growth in local communities across County Clare as the new plant has been sized to accommodate an increase in the local population.”

EPS Group is delivering the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

Other projects Uisce Éireann has recently completed is working in partnership with Clare County Council include a scheme to eliminate the discharge of raw sewage in Clarecastle and Liscannor. Works are nearing completion on the new Kilrush wastewater treatment plant, with planning underway for Kilkee.