€11.5m sewage plant to end Carlingford Lough discharge
Omeath’s new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant is now in operation, bringing to an end the unacceptable practice of discharging raw sewerage to Carlingford Lough.
The €11.5 million investment by Uisce Éireann was carried out in partnership with Louth County Council and represents a significant upgrade of Omeath’s wastewater infrastructure. The completed sewerage scheme is cruicial for future growth and development of the north Louth village.
The project involved the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant to serve a population equivalent (PE) of 1,600, a new pump station and associated sewer network.
“We are delighted to announce of the completion of this critical infrastructure that will see an end to the discharge of untreated wastewater in Omeath, bringing benefits in terms of health, integrity of the environment and improved water quality for all.
“It will also ensure compliance with European regulatory standards,” Patrick Greene, Uisce Éireann said.
“The completed Omeath
Sewerage Scheme will enhance the amenity value of Omeath, including the protection of recreational swimming, fishing, kayaking and sightseeing, in the village that sits on the shore of Carlingford Lough.
He said that the €11.5 million investment is “a reflection of Uisce Éireann’s commitment to eliminating the discharge of raw sewerage and improving water quality in our rivers, lakes and the sea.”
Uisce Éireann also completed construction works in 2023 on a separate project to upgrade the wastewater network in Omeath.
The works were delivered as part of the Shared Waters Enhancement & Loughs Legacy (SWELL) project - a €35m EU-funded project which aims to improve the quality of water in Carlingford Lough and Lough Foyle through the upgrade of wastewater assets on both sides of the border.
The SWELL project focused upgrading the sewer network at Omeath to improve how wastewater travels to the plant for treatment
Works being carried out to upgrade of the Castlebellingham Wastewater Treatment Plant in are expected to be complete in the summer.