THE provision of a new wastewater treatment system in Clarecastle will bring an end to the discharge of raw sewage into the River Fergus and the Shannon Estuary.
And, according to local Fine Gael TD Joe Carey, it will also significantly enhance the local environment by allowing households and businesses connect to the public wastewater collection infrastructure.
“Having campaigned for several years to secure a new sewerage scheme in Clarecastle, I am delighted that plans are already well advanced for a major upgrade of the Quay Road Pump Station to transfer sewage for treatment at the Clareabbey wastewater plant.
“Castlebar civil engineering firm Shareridge have been appointed main contractors for the scheme which should be well advanced by the end of the year.
“The project, which is being managed by Irish Water in Partnership with Clare County Council, will involve the design and construction of new below-ground infrastructure at the site of the existing Quay Road Pump Station.
“A new rising main pipeline along Quay Road, Barrack Street and the Ennis Road will transfer sewage for treatment at the Clareabbey plant.
“Work is also well underway on the construction of wastewater infrastructure in Liscannor and Kilrush. Works are also planned to end the discharge of raw sewage in Ballyvaughan and Kilkee,” Deputy Carey added.
Irish Water Project Delivery Lead Seamus Glynn said that wastewater from the public sewer network in Clarecastle is currently discharged untreated into the River Fergus and the Shannon Estuary.
“The discharge of untreated wastewater is unacceptable, threatens water quality and detracts from the amenity value of the area,” he declared.
“The Clarecastle Sewerage Scheme will improve the water quality in the River Fergus in compliance with national and EU regulations relating to the treatment of wastewater, and will enhance the environmental amenity of the Clarecastle area.
“We will be sure to keep the local community informed regarding traffic management as this essential project progresses,” Mr Glynn added.
Any person or business wishing to get a new connection to public wastewater collection infrastructure must contact Irish Water. They should make a pre-connection enquiry to establish whether a connection to the public network is feasible, where the connection can be made and any associated charges.
Photo: Joe Carey at the Clareabbey wastewater treatment plant
