Plan to tackle sewage
The days of sewage entering the River Shannon in one of North Tipperary’s most scenic beauty spots - Ballina - are set to end with the announcement by Uisce Éireann that it has started work on upgrading the wastewater treatment plant in the town.
The company has also announced that it has commenced works on the upgrade of the Newport wastewater treatment plant, which, like Ballina, has also been under severe pressure due to the expansion of the town over recent decades.
Housing and other development in the two towns had been curtailed due to concerns over the sewage loads on the plants. But building of properties can recommence again after the works are completed.
Uisce Éireann, in announcing the commencement of works, said communities in Ballina and Newport will be delighted with the upgrade, saying it would benefit the areas for decades to come.
These €19m new infrastructure projects will eliminate the discharge of poorly treated wastewater into the receiving waters, the Rivers Mulcaire and Shannon, resulting in improved water quality.
The two projects combined will serve a population equivalent of 11,600 and will accommodate future population growth of the surrounding areas.
COMMITMENT
Seamus Glynn, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, said that these projects are another example of Uisce Éireann’s commitment to providing quality water and wastewater services for the people of Tipperary.
“We are delighted to have commenced these works to deliver these important projects for the communities in Ballina and Newport. When complete, these two projects will benefit the county for decades to come,” said Mr Glynn.
He added: “We would like to thank the local community for their support while we continue to carry out these important works. Uisce Éireann has and will continue to invest in water and wastewater infrastructure across the Premier County.”
Works on both upgrade projects are due to be substantially complete by the end of 2024 with Ward and Burke carrying out the upgrades on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
“We are thrilled to be working with our colleagues in Tipperary County Council, Ward and Burke, and most importantly the people of Ballina and Newport to deliver these vital upgrades of wastewater infrastructure,” said Mr Glynn.