The Mutton Island Wastewater Treatment Plant is due for a major upgrade, costing €6.4 million, which will allow the plant increase its capacity to deal with a population of up to 170,000.
The Department of Environment has approved the funding of €6.4 million for the plant, which will improve its capacity to deal with population increases in the city and surrounding county area over the next 20 years.
The investment is also seen as a potential stimulant to the local economy and there are hopes it will lead to the creation of jobs in the construction sector.
The announcement has been welcomed by Galway West TD Brian Walsh and Fine Gael senator Hildegarde Naughton.
Dep Walsh said the funding will create jobs and serve to stimulate the economy in the short term, and facilitate projected commercial, residential, and industrial growth into the future.
He also described it as a “major infrastructural undertaking” that will “benefit Galway in the years ahead”.
“The rapid growth of the city and its environs in recent times has put a significant strain on the existing wastewater system, which is fast approaching its design capacity,” he said.
Sen Naughton said the upgrade will be “critical to ensuring Galway is well positioned to continue to attract future opportunities for tourism, investment, and jobs to the region”.
She also said it is “essential that our waterways and marine heritage are protected and maintained to the highest standards”.
