Irish Water vows to end Bantry Bay sewage discharge

THE discharge of the equivalent of 1,730 wheelie bins of untreated wastewater every day to Bantry Bay from Castletownbere will cease after major Irish Water works get underway. 

At an information event next week – on May 1st – Irish Water will unveil its plans to construct a new wastewater treatment plant in Castletownbere as well as the associated sewer network and infrastructure.

Mark Murray, Irish Water’s Infrastructure Regional Lead said: ‘The provision of wastewater treatment for Castletownbere will mean improved water quality for bathing, enhancement of the area’s amenity value and will act as a platform for social and economic development. The project will also help ensure that the water quality standards set out in relevant legislation will be achieved.’

The proposed new wastewater treatment plant will be located at the Drom South and will initially be constructed to have the capacity to serve a population equivalent of 2,168. The plant will be constructed to have the potential to be adapted in the future to serve a population equivalent of 3,250 as the need arises. The project, in partnership with the County Council, will also involve the construction of new pumping stations at Castletownbere Hospital, Brandyhall Bridge, Came Woods and in the port area, along with new rising mains and sewers. 

Subject to statutory approvals, Irish Water will submit its planning application to the County Council this year and construction work on this necessary project will commence in 2020.