Veolia, working in partnership with Irish Water and Louth County Council, has marked the start of construction on a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant and supporting infrastructure in Omeath, Co. Louth.
When completed, the new treatment plant will bring significant benefits to the local community in terms of protecting the environment and improving water quality in Carlingford Lough for angling, water sports and marine life. It will also act as an enabler for housing and support economic growth and development in the area.
The project, which represents an investment of €11 million, includes the construction of a new, state of the art, wastewater treatment plant that has been designed by Veolia to provide wastewater treatment for a PE (population equivalent) of up to 1,600, a new network pump station with emergency storage, the installation of new sewer pipelines, and the upgrade and extension of the existing outfall pipe to safely discharge treated effluent to Carlingford Lough in compliance with regulatory standards.
A sod turning ceremony to officially mark the start of works was led by the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Peter Burke TD and supported by Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Councillor Pio Smith. Representatives from Veolia, Irish Water and Louth County Council attended along with members of the local community including primary school students from Scoil Naomh Lorcan in Omeath, and transition year and leaving cert students from Coláiste Chu Chulainn Secondary School in Dundalk.
Minister Burke commended the project saying: “I am delighted to be here today to officially turn the sod and mark the commencement of works on the Omeath Sewerage Scheme. The construction of this new Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated infrastructure is pivotal for the future growth and development of Omeath and surrounding areas, and for the successful delivery of housing. The provision of a reliable wastewater service, in a manner that protects the natural environment, is essential to the economic and social development of this area. I would like to commend those involved in bringing the project to this important day and I would like to wish the project team well as they progress this much needed wastewater project.”
€11m infrastructure investment
Benefiting circa 1,600 people
Improving water quality in Carlingford Lough
Colm Claffey, Regional Delivery Lead with Irish Water, added: “We are delighted to begin works on this essential project for the people of Omeath. Eliminating the discharge of untreated wastewater into Carlingford Lough has always been a priority for Irish Water and we look forward to ending this current practice, safeguarding the local environment and enhancing tourism opportunities for this beautiful part of the country.”
The project is being delivered by Veolia under the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) Programme on behalf of Irish Water. The ECI programme encourages early engagement and collaboration, allowing contractors to come on board much earlier in the delivery process, resulting in greater scope for innovation in design and construction, and improved efficiencies and timelines.