Coolatee community prospering from Uisce Éireann investment

As the summer season draws to a close, it brings some good news for a community in Donegal with Uisce Éireann eliminating the discharge of untreated water into the Foyle and Deel rivers. 

The Coolatee Sewerage Scheme has not only improved water quality in the local rivers, but is an enabler for housing and supports economic growth and development in the area. 

The completed works, which includes a new integrated constructed wetland (ICW) wastewater treatment plant, means the scheme is fully complaint with EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directives. 

Uisce Éireann’s Portfolio Manager Paul Fallon is proud to have completed the project. 
“This is a vital project for the local community in Coolatee. This substantial investment will help promote and protect the local environment and support development in the area now and into the future.”

An ICW is a sustainable, natural wastewater treatment system that is designed to look and function in a similar way to a natural wetland. It’s an environmentally friendly way to treat wastewater resulting in reduced operational and maintenance costs and supporting biodiversity, while also reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Uisce Éireann thanked the local community for its support during the works, which were delivered by Coffey Construction on behalf of Uisce Éireann. 

“We extend our sincere thanks to the local community in Coolatee for their patience and cooperation during the delivery of this essential project, which ensures cleaner and safer treated water is discharged into the Foyle and Deele Rivers. The scale of investment in Donegal and the completion of this critical infrastructure in Coolatee are of immense significance. We are investing approximately €100m in Donegal as part of delivering several strategic projects, aiming to provide best-in-class wastewater services and infrastructure for Ireland, both now and into the future.” noted Paul. 

Uisce Éireann's targeted investment across Donegal's existing wastewater infrastructure is also reaping benefits for communities countywide. Works are progressing with a €31 million investment upgrading wastewater infrastructure in Buncrana, Ballybofey, and Stranorlar, while Kerrykeel, Kilcar, and Burtonport Sewerage Schemes, ending raw sewage discharge, are now complete as part of a €20 million project. Meanwhile, a project on the €50 million Ramelton, Milford, and Rathmullan Sewerage Schemes is underway. Earlier this year Uisce Éireann also commenced works which include state of the art treatment plants in Carrigart, Kilmacrennan, and Mountcharles. 

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.