Belcarra And Lahardaun Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades Improving Discharges To River Moy SAC

Improvements follow significant investment by Irish Water

Irish Water, working in partnership with Mayo County Council, has just completed an upgrade of two wastewater treatment plants which has improved the quality of effluent being discharged into two rivers that form part of the River Moy Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

TES Ltd carried out the upgrade works at the Belcarra and Lahardaun Wastewater Treatment Plants to benefit a combined population of almost 1,000 people.

€1.2M was invested by Irish Water in the project which involved a full upgrade of the wastewater facilities at both plants.

In partnership with Mayo County Council
Commenting Irish Water’s Capital Programme Regional Lead, Laura Heneghan, said “Irish Water is working in partnership with Mayo County Council to continually improve wastewater treatment throughout the county. The principal objective of the project was to improve the quality of the final effluent that discharges into rivers that form part of the River Moy SAC. Both communities will enjoy substantial benefits from these works.”

A similar programme of works was carried out at both plants including a full upgrade of the wastewater treatment facilities at both sites; inlet flow measuring and sampling; final effluent flow measurement and sampling; refurbishment of existing control building, construction of new internal access roads and landscaping as required.

The Belcarra Wastewater Treatment Plant serves the village of Belcarra and its surrounds which has a current population equivalent of 400. The final effluent from the plant discharges to the Manulla River.

The Lahardaun Wastewater Treatment Plant serves the village of Lahardaun and its surrounds which has a population equivalent of 430. The final effluent from the plant discharges to the Castlehill River. Both treatment plants are discharging to rivers which form part of the River Moy SAC.

Part of Irish Water’s investment plan
This project forms part of Irish Water’s investment plan where works have been prioritised to address the most critical issues in line with commitments outlined in Irish Water’s business plan. Delivery of the business plan will involve a €5.5B investment in capital spending on drinking water and wastewater quality and capacity and new infrastructure up to 2021.