Leader of the Independent Team of Ministers and Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, Seán Canney TD, has welcomed confirmation from Uisce Éireann that two major waste water schemes in Mountbellew and Ballygar are now advancing to tender stage following a meeting with Uisce Water officials this week.

The combined investment for the Mountbellew Sewerage Scheme and the Ballygar Sewerage Scheme stands at almost €40 million with both schemes expected to commence construction after the tender process following a lengthy planning and design process. This represents a major commitment to modernising essential wastewater infrastructure in rural Galway.

Minister Canney stated: “It is great to see tangible progress on the Mountbellew and Ballygar schemes. This is a vital investment of almost €40 million in the heart of County Galway. These projects will not only protect our environment and public health, but also support population growth and housing development in both towns. It is also a timely boost for Mountbellew, given the introduction of the new Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery course being delivered on a partnership basis by Mountbellew Agricultural College and ATU (Atlantic Technological University).”

In addition to these tendered projects, Minister Canney received a progress report on the Loughrea Wastewater Network, which is currently at the design stage. This project carries an estimated investment of €3.5 million and is focused on strengthening wastewater services for the wider Loughrea area.

Meanwhile, the Athenry Sewerage Scheme Network has been completed, following an investment in excess of €11 million. This newly completed infrastructure provides additional capacity to allow many of the existing housing developments to connect to the public sewerage and additional capacity for growth while safeguarding water quality and local amenities.

Minister Canney concluded: “These projects are part of the Government’s wider commitment to ensuring that all parts of the country, including our rural towns and villages, benefit from modern, reliable infrastructure. I am particularly pleased to see such strong investment being delivered in Galway, which is vital to regional development.”