€29m upgrade marks new era for customers in North West

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More than 42,000 Uisce Éireann customers across Mayo, Roscommon and Galway are set to benefit from a €29m investment in one of the region’s largest water treatment plants.

A significant upgrade now underway at Lough Mask (Tourmakeady) Water Treatment Plant will improve security of water supply and water quality across the region. The upgrade will also provide additional capacity to cater for the equivalent of an additional 20,000 houses.  

Many of the areas benefitting from these improvement works could be seen in the distance over the shores of Lough Mask on Friday afternoon at a special ceremony to mark the commencement of the upgrade.  

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne and Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary, joined with local elected representatives, Uisce Éireann representatives including the project team and plant operatives at the official sod turning. 

Uisce Éireann’s Programme Manager, Ian Walsh, highlighted the benefits of the project which will result in upgrading the treatment processes at Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant while also increasing capacity at the plant.   

“As this region continues to grow and develop, so too must our water infrastructure. Demand is increasing and the standards we must meet are ever higher. This project is about ensuring a safe, sustainable and resilient supply for the future. That’s why we are investing €29 million to upgrade this facility and increase its capacity from 40 to 50 million litres per day,” he outlined. 

At present the plant produces around 40 million litres of clean drinking water each day, serving Castlebar, parts of Westport, multiple regional towns and villages from Cong to Ballyhaunis and surrounding areas, including numerous group water schemes. This supply has been a critical enabler of growth for homes, businesses, and tourism.
 
The event was a proud day for the diligent operatives at Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant. Paul Thomas, Michael Conway, Michéal Lally, and PJ Sheridan each have deep connections to the plant. Michéal Lally is proudly following in his father Frank's footsteps. Frank, the first caretaker at the plant, retired in 2022 after nearly 38 years of service. Today's sod-turning ceremony marked a momentous day for the hard working and dedicated team.  

Minister Browne noted that investment and delivery in water and wastewater services benefits all aspects of life in Ireland. 

“Strategic infrastructure investment like water is essential in addressing and responding to our housing crisis. We need it to build homes at pace and at scale, and that’s what I am determined to see here in Mayo as well as across the country. We must simultaneously safeguard our environment while responding to population increases as well as local need.

“As Minister for Housing, I am committed to ensuring that working with Uisce Éireann, we advance critical projects such as this upgrade at Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant. This development is critical so that people can live and work in this area, and build their families and lives here.

“This facility currently supports a population of 42,000, with the potential to expand its capacity to supply an additional 20,000 houses when this upgrade is complete.”

Minister Dara Calleary added: “Investing in our water infrastructure is crucial for the health, prosperity, and sustainability of our communities. This project demonstrates the Government’s commitment to a resilient and thriving future. Thank you to everyone whose hard work and dedication have brought us to this milestone. Your efforts have been instrumental in making this project a reality, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on local communities when completed.” 

Veolia Water is carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann which is due for completion in 2028. 

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.