SlaNey SlaNey eNviroNmeNt ad L-R: Minister James Browne TD and Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Barbara AnneMurphy help turn the sod on Arthurstown’s new wastewater treatment plant. All pics: Brownes Photography.
Turning the sod on Arthurstown’s new wastewater treatment plant It was sun, sea, sand and sod-turning last month as Irish Water began works on a new Wastewater Treatment Plant for Arthurstown, Duncannon and Ballyhack that will end discharge of raw sewage. A palpable air of optimism emanated around the small and socially distant gathering who were present for the event at Arthurstown as Irish Water, in partnership with Wexford County Council, began the necessary works. The investment of €12.8m will see the plant provide wastewater treatment for the first time for the equivalent of almost 1,875 people. The works will ensure the communities have the capacity for social and economic development into the future and will also ensure the protection and the integrity of the environment. Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Barbara-Anne Murphy, was on hand to officiate at the sod-turning, saying: “The commencement of this vital sewerage infrastructure development will lead to enhanced tourism opportunities for the beautiful villages of Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Duncannon. In Wexford we pride ourselves on our expansive, well maintained beaches and coastline with all of the amenities they offer. The removal
Page 92 - 6th August 2021
of untreated wastewater to this estuary has long been a goal of Wexford County Council, and we can now look forward to all the benefits of a cleaner environment, previously denied due to the lack of treatment in the area. These works will also hasten the return of our Blue Flag Beach status to Duncannon. I very much welcome the investment from Irish Water in conjunction with Wexford County Council.” Paul Fallon, who is Programme Manager with Irish Water, was delighted to be present also. “This is a big day for the communities of Duncannon, Arthurstown and Ballyhack and we are so pleased to finally get the project underway. This is such a beautiful part of the country and to think that this Irish Water project will eliminate the equivalent of 1,500 wheelie bins of raw sewage flowing into the Barrow, Nore, Suir estuary every day is something to be positive about. “The size and scale of the challenge of raw sewage discharging into our water ways is well documented, however, the good news is that Irish Water has a plan to get to grips with this and similar areas around Ireland. This project is due for completion in 2023 and will support social and economic development and pro-
tect our marine life in the years to come too. I'd finally like to pay tribute to our colleagues in Wexford County Council, Sisk, Aecom and Atkins who have done a fantastic job to date and I look forward to bringing this project to completion with them." Minister of State James Browne was there also to help mark the occasion. “It’s great to see this project get underway. It has been a long time in the making, and it will open up so many new opportunities for the communities of Arthurstown, Duncannon and Ballyhack. I wish Irish Water, Wexford County Council and Sisk the best of luck with the works.” Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, also warmly welcomed the commencement of construction of the much needed Wastewater Treatment Plant, stating that “the works when completed in approximately 16 months’ time will bring great benefits to the villages and surrounding areas in terms of environmental improvements, water quality, infrastructural development, tourism and investment.” The Chief Executive also thanked Irish Water and the staff of Wexford County Council for bringing the project to this juncture and wished contractors Sisk Group well in their endeavours.
