AN INVESTMENT OF €11m in a new wastewater plant for Ballyvaughan has been confirmed.
Construction of a new wastewater treatment plant for Ballyvaughan is to commence in the coming weeks, Uisce Éireann have confirmed.
This multi-million-euro investment will see the construction of a new wastewater plant that will service a population equivalent of almost 1,050 in the picturesque coastal village. The works will be completed in partnership with Clare County Council.
A spokesperson for Uisce Éireann said they were “committed to ending the unacceptable practice of untreated wastewater being discharged into Ballyvaughan Bay”.
Water quality will be improved in Ballyvaughan as a result while it will also ensure there is capacity available for future social and economic growth in the area.
Along with the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant with storm water storage, solar panels will be installed to provide the plant with renewable energy. New sewer pipelines will be constructed along the R477 to bring wastewater for treatment at the new wastewater treatment plant.
As Ballyvaughan is an important tourist destination, the project will also improve water quality for recreational swimming, surfers, fishing, boating, and sightseeing. The project will ensure compliance with national and EU regulations relating to the treatment of wastewater.
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”.
Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) acknowledged that it was a “long journey to this point but most welcome. There will be inconvenience but will be managed best as possible and the result will be exceptional for environment and the community”. He said the next move is with “urgency to ramping all pressure possible on our North Clare settlements needing similar investment now” such as Miltown Malbay, Spanish Point, Ennistymon, Lahinch, Ruan and Doolin.
Inclusion of solar panels to power the plant were praised by Cllr Liam Grant (GP). Cllr Shane Talty (FF) said the announcement was “good news” for Ballyvaughan but maintained “similar projects are needed across North Clare”.
