Cork East Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Justice, David Stanton, has welcomed the newly opened Youghal Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The €12.5 million plant will protect the local environment and provide a platform for ongoing social, economic and tourism development in the town.

Minister Stanton, together with Irish Water and Cork County Council, marked the official opening of the new treatment plant with a ceremony on 28 September which included pupils from South Abbey National School. The project was carried out in partnership with EPS Group and Sorensen Civil Engineering, with engineering services provided by Atkins Consulting Engineers. The completion of these works brings to an end the decades-long practice of discharging untreated sewage into the Blackwater Estuary.

The WWTP forms part of a larger €26 million investment scheme for the Youghal area which includes substantial infrastructure improvements. In addition to the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, the project also involved upgrading the existing pumping stations, construction of a new pumping station at Green Park; and the installation of 9km of new or upgraded sewers and new rising mains.

Minister of State David Stanton commented: “This is a very significant day for Youghal. The opening of this new wastewater treatment plant means that raw sewage is no longer being pumped into the waterways and sea which will bring immediate benefits to the Blackwater Estuary and Front Strand and continue to improve the aquatic environment into the future.

“These are exciting times for Youghal. Next year we will host Ireland’s first ever full Ironman competition. Having a clean ocean environment will ensure that this area can continue to attract events like this in the years to come.

“The completion of this essential piece of infrastructure will ensure that wastewater from homes and businesses is treated and discharged in full compliance with Irish and European environmental standards. The increase in wastewater treatment capacity as a result of the new WWTP will also facilitate the ongoing growth and development of the town and allow Youghal to fully realise its enormous potential as a great place to live, work and visit.

“I would like to congratulate all involved in bringing this project to fruition. The people of Youghal will now enjoy all the benefits of having state-of-the-art wastewater treatment in their local community.”

Youghal Wastewater Treatment Opening

REPRO FREE
Pictured at the official opening of the Youghal Wastewater Treatment Plant by Minister of State For Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton were Irish WaterÕs Infrastructure Programme Manager Mark Murray; Deputy Mayor of Co Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan-Foley and Minister Stanton with local schoolchildren from South Abbey School.
Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

REPRO FREE
Pictured at the official opening of the Youghal Wastewater Treatment Plant by Minister of State For Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton were Irish Water’s Infrastructure Programme Manager Mark Murray; Minister Stanton and pupils from South Abbey School Sara Murray, Katie O’Shea and Isabella Linhares.
Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

REPRO FREE
Pictured at the official opening of the Youghal Wastewater Treatment Plant by Minister of State For Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton were Irish Water’s Infrastructure Programme Manager Mark Murray; Minister Stanton and pupils from South Abbey School Sara Murray, Katie O’Shea and Isabella Linhares.
Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision