28/05/2009 -

Sligo Treatment Plant Opened

The largest infrastructural project in Sligo in recent years has been officially opened by Minister of State Michael Finneran, TD. The Minister was accompanied at the opening of Sligo Main Drainage Waste Water Treatment Plant by Mayor Councillor Veronica Cawley, Cathaoirleach Councillor Jude Devins, County Manager Hubert Kearns, Director of Services, Infrastructure, Tom Kilfeather and members of the Project Team.

The new facility will mean the elimination of untreated discharges into Sligo Bay and will enable Sligo County Council to fulfil its obligations under EU Directives. It will also accommodate demand from tourism, housing, commercial, industrial and recreational developments in the capital City of the North West Region, together with the provision of sludge reception facility for the treatment of all sewage sludge within the county.

The scheme will ensure the protection of a quality environment in Sligo Bay and will clear the way for the integration of sewerage facilities from the surrounding areas of Cummeen, Carraroe, Ballincar, Teesan/Lisnalurg, Rosses Point and all areas designated for development in the Sligo and Environs Development Plan.

- Mayor Councillor Veronica Cawley joins Minister Michael Finneran, County Manager, Hubert Kearns, Elected Members and Members of the Oireachtas at the opening of the Sligo Wastewater Treatment Plant

Referring to the benefits of the scheme to Sligo, Minister Finneran said “it reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to preserving and protecting our water resources as a key element of environmental policy, to meeting EU standards for drinking water and wastewater treatment and to putting critical infrastructure in place that will ensure ongoing support for industrial, commercial and other development.”

Placing the facility in context, the Cathaoirleach said ‘Sligo County Council has one of the most efficient and progressive water services investment programmes in the country. This is testament to the vision and commitment of our elected members and staff, and indeed those dedicated people now retired, who also gave valuable service in the delivery of this programme. Value for money has always been a core objective in our capital programme, and can I pay a very public tribute to the various members of the project team for delivering this facility on time and within budget.’  The Cathaoirleach added that ‘From Sligo County Council’s perspective, it was also a key consideration that we provide this facility without compromising our local environment. I take great pride in the fact that this project is perfectly integrated and greatly enhances the environmental quality of its catchment area.

 Mayor Councillor Veronica Cawley feels that ‘Elected Members and Staff in both Authorities can reflect with great pride on a job well done. The story of the scheme involves many strands. There is a special sense of history to this location, as the name ‘Sligo’ is derived from the ‘slig or ‘shells’ which were once plentiful is the estuary beside the plant. There is also a sense of pride in our local landscape, and a sense of achievement in our ability to deliver a project of this scale while protecting our natural heritage and habitats. I feel the people of Sligo will welcome the official opening of this plant as an important investment in our future.’

 
- Aerial views of new state of the art treatment plant in Finisklin