New year for Mountbellew and Ballygar sewerage works

UPGRADES to the Mountbellew and Ballygar wastewater treatment plants are now expected to begin in early 2027.

Uisce Éireann have told The Tuam Herald that the contract for the projects, which are likely to come to nearly €40million to complete, was recently signed.

“The contractor is currently finalising its programme and detailed design. Construction on both projects is anticipated to commence in quarter one of 2027, subject to approval of the contractor's programme of works,” said a spokesperson for Uisce Éireann.

Planning permission was granted for the Ballygar sewerage scheme in January of last year.

There has not been a housing project approved in the town in some years.

An Coimisiún Pleanála approved the Mountbellew wastewater treatment plant upgrade in 2022 initially, before Uisce Éireann lodged a fresh application that was given planning permission last year.

Galway County Council gave the green light to two housing developments for Mountbellew earlier this year.

Included in both decisions was a condition that none of the dwellings in either development are to be occupied until they are connected to the upgraded Mountbellew wastewater treatment plant, unless otherwise agreed with the council.