Minister Canney encourages Galway communities to have their say on future wastewater strategy
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, is encouraging people across Galway to take the opportunity to have their say on Uisce Éireann’s Draft Galway Wastewater Strategy before the public consultation closes on Thursday 23 July 2026.
The draft strategy, which was published in May following the launch of an eight-week public consultation, sets out a long-term plan to ensure Galway’s wastewater infrastructure can support sustainable growth, protect the environment and strengthen climate resilience through 2040, 2055 and 2080.
Galway is identified in the National Planning Framework 2040 as one of Ireland’s fastest-growing urban areas and a key driver of development in the west. With the city’s population projected to increase by around 40% between 2022 and 2040, significant investment in wastewater infrastructure will be needed to support future housing, business and economic growth.
Minister Canney said: “This strategy is about planning for Galway’s future. As our population continues to grow, we need wastewater infrastructure that can support new homes, new businesses and sustainable development while protecting our environment for future generations.
“I would encourage everyone with an interest in Galway’s future to take the opportunity to review the proposals and make a submission before the consultation closes. Public engagement is an important part of shaping a strategy that will serve communities across the county for decades to come.”
The Draft Galway Wastewater Strategy examines the existing wastewater network across the Galway Metropolitan Area, including Galway City and its suburbs, as well as Moycullen and Athenry. It also considers the future needs of the region as it continues to grow.
Among the key recommendations are:
- Progressing a new Regional Galway East Wastewater Treatment Plant to meet long-term wastewater treatment needs and provide additional capacity, resilience and environmental protection through to 2080.
- Enhancing treatment capacity at the existing Athenry and Mutton Island Wastewater Treatment Plants in the short term, with works planned as part of the 2040 investment cycle.
- Gradually transferring wastewater from Athenry and Mutton Island to the new Regional Galway East plant once it becomes operational. Mutton Island would continue to operate at a reduced capacity, while Athenry would transition to a pumping station to transfer load to the new Regional Galway East plant.
- Maintaining decentralised wastewater treatment at Moycullen and Baile Chláir (Claregalway), with future upgrades guided by population and economic growth.
The Draft Strategy envisages the development of a Regional Galway East Wastewater Treatment Plant, designed to allow for phased expansion. Over time, wastewater from strategic areas around the city would be transferred away from Mutton Island Wastewater Treatment Plant to the new regional plant. Mutton Island would continue to accept and treat wastewater from a smaller area into the future. Athenry Wastewater Treatment Plant would transition to operate as a wastewater pumping station, with all flows transferring to the new plant.
Uisce Éireann has engaged extensively throughout the consultation with environmental organisations, elected representatives, public bodies and local communities, including hosting an in-person information event and an online webinar.
People can make a submission until midnight on Thursday, 23 July:
- Online: consult.water.ie
- Email: gws@water.ie
- Post: Uisce Éireann, Galway Wastewater Strategy, 1 Galway Business Park, Upper Newcastle Road, Dangan, Galway H91 A3EF
The consultation documents can be viewed and downloaded at www.water.ie/GWS
Following the close of the consultation, all submissions will be reviewed before the final Galway Wastewater Strategy is published later this year.