Uisce Éireann launches public consultation on the long-term wastewater strategy for Galway

Uisce Éireann has today commenced an eight-week public consultation on a long-term plan to ensure the adequate provision of wastewater services for Galway City and parts of Galway County. The 50-year Galway Wastewater Strategy will assess all wastewater treatment and network infrastructure in the Galway Metropolitan Area, Athenry, and Moycullen areas to determine what upgrades will be required to meet the future needs of the population, taking into account economic growth, environmental changes, and climate change. 

Uisce Éireann will be consulting with a wide range of stakeholders to progress this comprehensive assessment of all existing infrastructure and set out a vision for future development. Members of the public are invited to participate in the consultation and make a submission. The strategy aims to ensure the adequate provision of wastewater services are planned and in place for homes, businesses, and industry across the county. 

Submissions are invited from all interested parties for eight weeks from 26 September until 20 November 2024. Further information and details of how to make a submission are available from the Draft Galway Wastewater Strategy page.

Paul Fallon, Portfolio Manager for Uisce Éireann, said, "Public consultation on the draft wastewater strategy is now underway. This critical strategy will have a significant benefit for current and future generations living and working in Galway. It will set out how we envisage wastewater services and infrastructure will be provided to homes and businesses over the next 50 years." 

“We are inviting all our stakeholders and members of the public to have their say in say in relation to how these essential services are managed and delivered, to ensure that our plan is the best fit for the region."

“This critical infrastructure will underpin economic development and housing delivery, while safeguarding public health and enhancing the environment, enabling communities to thrive.”

Galway has been Ireland’s most rapidly developing urban area for half a century and is a key driver for the West of Ireland with a projected 40% increase of its population in the period between 2022 and 2040. As a result of this growth, the wastewater infrastructure is challenged to keep pace with the increased demand for new serviced land for housing, commercial developments, and industry.

The final strategy will build upon Uisce Éireann’s existing investment programme in Galway which has led to brand new wastewater treatment plants and infrastructure in An Spideál and Ahascragh, resulting in the elimination of raw sewage discharges. Upgrades are also underway in Athenry, with planned upgrades for Mount Bellew and Eyrecourt. These projects will be progressed through the current and future investment cycles, subject to approval and planning.

This is an important project for the people of Galway and comes at a critical juncture for the area which has seen very significant growth arising from the economic success of the Galway Metropolitan Area and surrounding areas. The Galway Wastewater Strategy aims to deliver a sustainable wastewater strategy that will protect public health, safeguard our environment and facilitate economic and social growth up to 2080.