Clifden has finally received confirmation of a new waste water treatment plant to upgrade the town’s sewerage system. The announcement was made on Monday by Phil Hogan, Minister for the Environment, Community, and Local Government.
The new plant had been planned and promised for years and its delay has resulted in a number of problems in the area. Clifden Beach has lost its prestigious blue flag status indicating quality sanitary and safety standards and the bathing waters have failed to meet minimum EU standards over the last few years. Clifden has been suffering from negative publicity incurred from the annual announcement of the Environmental Protection Agency’s water quality results. Following the announcement, the project is now ready to go out to tender.
Cllr Eileen Mannion welcomed the announcement: “The new waste water treatment plant has been included in the Water Services Investment Programme as far back as 2003 but there have been unnecessary delays over the years, but I am delighted that Minister Hogan has approved the scheme for Clifden today.”