Minister Ciaran Cannon has welcomed the announcement by Irish Water that it is to invest €2.7m in wastewater monitoring and sampling across the north and west as part of a nationwide project.
Minister Cannon said, “This project is being introduced under a national flow and monitoring programme in which about €10 million is being invested in 400 wastewater treatment plants of differing sizes in order to comply with EPA licensing requirements. This investment marks the first time critical wastewater flow and load data will be available on a consistent basis and will augment the performance of treatment plants while helping to safeguard the waterways into which treated wastewater is discharged.
“The impact of the investment will be to provide plant operators and engineers with the data they require to better maintain treatment processes, monitor performance and act expeditiously to any unforeseen event like storms. The first of three separate contracts in the region has been completed in Donegal with an investment of €1.7m and a second contract worth €500,000 is underway in Galway, Cavan, Monaghan, and Roscommon.
“Wastewater treatment plants included in Galway East are Loughrea, Gort, and Portumna. This programme will include the installation of flow measurement devices, storm event recorders, and sampling equipment at treatment plants in pivotal locations in the region. The project will also guarantee compliance with EPA wastewater discharge authorisations in respect of monitoring and sampling requirements.
“The programme is a commitment by Irish Water to one of its main priorities which is protecting Ireland`s coastal areas and waterways.”
