Mayo TD welcomes ‘fantastic’ update on Newport sewerage scheme
Deputy Lawless stated that he has been ‘fighting tooth and nail’ to ensure that works could begin this summer on the sewage treatment plant for Newport.
Mayo TD Paul Lawless has welcomed news from Uisce Éireann that surveys and data collection works are to commence in Clew Bay in the coming weeks as part of the plans for a new sewage treatment plant in Newport.
Speaking today, Deputy Lawless stated that he has been ‘fighting tooth and nail’ to ensure that works could begin this summer on the sewage treatment plant for Newport.
“I am delighted to report that steady progress is being made. It is very welcome news for the people of Newport. I have had multiple meetings with MARA ( Maritime Area Regulatory) to try to get a timely decision in this case,” he said.
Deputy Lawless further stated that in May, a licence was granted to allow Uisce Éireann to conduct studies on the bay to determine ocean currents and build a model for the treatment plant based on the data they obtain.
“Today I can report that the consultation phase has finished, and that this data collection process will begin in the coming weeks,” he stated.
He further stated that this project has faced many delays over the years.
“The initial lack of a decision from MARA on the application for a licence was causing a delay to the whole project,” he said.
“I am grateful to MARA for engaging with me on the matter. I am happy to report that Uisce Éireann is ready to begin the work. The timing of this with the summer months is excellent, because it means the weather should not create any further obstacles,” he added.
He further stated that good progress is being made behind the scenes with Uisce Éireann already working on obtaining planning from MARA for a new pipeline across the Newport River.
“It is great to see this work being done, even before we have the survey findings, and indeed, I know that significant work on the design of the plant is also going on behind the scenes,” Concluded Lawless.