Government approval has been given to the €13.5 million Claregalway Milltown Sewerage Scheme by the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan.
The Galway County Council will now be able to invite tenders from companies interested in carrying out the construction. Local politicians have welcomed the development, arguing that it wil result in development and jobs for the area.
The project is being funded under the Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013, as two contracts, at an estimated cost of €10.68 million for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Design Build Operate contract and €2.87 million for the Network Contract.
Work is already under way on the Network Contract, for which Minister Hogan approved funding of more than €1.33 million last August.
In a letter to Fine Gael Galway West TD Seán Kyne, Minister Hogan said the sewerage scheme will “greatly expand the quality and scale of the wastewater infrastructure in the county” and “provide capacity to support economic growth and to facilitate new development”.
Dep Kyne has welcomed the approval.
“This latest funding is essential in ensuring we have the highest standard of water supply and waste-water treatment facilities,” he said. “This is an important issue for both the city and county.”
Fine Gael Galway East TD Paul Connaughton has also welcomed progress on the scheme.
“Progress on the scheme for Milltown is particularly welcome as it will help preserve water quality standards in the area,” he said. “I would like to see work get underway on this DBO contract for both Claregalway and Milltown as soon as possible, as it will have the dual benefit of enhancing water quality and providing jobs in the region.”
