As the New Year approaches, 2023 will certainly be remembered as a pivotal year for the communities of Kerrykeel and Kilcar as Veolia completed the construction of two new wastewater treatment plants, as part of a €10 million investment by Uisce Éireann in Donegal’s future and environment.
Uisce Éireann has continued to prioritise the elimination of raw sewage from the coast of Donegal and this year has seen another significant leap forward as two new wastewater treatment plants have come into operation, improving the lives of locals and visitors alike.
Not only have the two new treatment plants eliminated the discharge of raw sewage from Mulroy Bay and Tawny Bay respectively, but this investment in Kerrykeel and Kilcar wastewater infrastructure is also an enabler for housing and will support economic growth and development in the area. Another winner from this investment is the receiving environment of Mulroy Bay and Tawny Bay which will now see a significant positive improvement on water quality in both bays for swimming, surfing, fishing and boating.
Uisce Éireann’s Angus Hall paid tribute to the team who brought these two significant projects to life.
“As the New Year approaches, 2023 will certainly be remembered as a pivotal year for the communities of Kerrykeel and Kilcar as two new wastewater treatment plants came into operation. Eliminating the discharge of raw sewage into Mulroy Bay and Tawny Bay has always been a priority for Uisce Éireann and we are proud to be ending this practice, safeguarding the local environment and enhancing tourism opportunities for the communities of Kerrykeel and Kilcar.”
In Kerrykeel the project included the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant for a population equivalent of approximately 500, a new pumping station, new sewer pipelines to transfer wastewater from the new pumping station to the new treatment plant, and a new outfall pipe to safely discharge treated wastewater to Burnside River in compliance with regulatory standards.
In Kilcar the project included the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant for a population equivalent of approximately 1,800, an upgrade to the existing pumping station, and connection to the existing outfall pipe to safely discharge treated wastewater to Tawny Bay in compliance with regulatory standards.
Veolia, working on behalf of Uisce Éireann, delivered the works as part of both projects.
Declan White, Operations Director for Veolia added “we continue to work closely with Uisce Éireann to co-develop solutions to provide cleaner water and enhanced amenities through the upgrade of existing treatment plants or the construction of new plants. The successful completion of the two schemes in Kerrykeel and Kikcar is a great day for the local communities in Donegal and I want to add my congratulations to the design and delivery teams”
Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. They are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies.
Veolia is Ireland’s leading environmental services company providing solutions that enable ecological transformation. We provide a comprehensive range of energy, waste and water services and are dedicated to carbon reduction, protecting the environment and building the circular economy.
