30-year campaign for Newport sewerage treatment plant gains momentum after licence approval

"The town of Newport has moved one step closer in its 30-year campaign to secure a sewerage treatment plant, following confirmation that a Maritime Usage Licence (MUL) has been issued for the project."

"The license will allow for marine surveys to be carried out in the area to inform the location of the outfall discharge for the proposed Waste Water Treatment Plant. The surveys will help to build a planning application for the long-awaited development."

"The Newport Sewerage Concern Group has been campaigning for a treatment plant for more than three decades, consistently highlighting the environmental, public health and economic impact of raw sewage flowing into Clew Bay."

"“After many years of the project essentially sitting on the shelf, where there has been no information, no clarity and no movement, in relation to the project, I am pleased to say that the project and the proposal have moved into a statutory timeframe,” he said."

A Maritime Usage Licence has been issued for a proposed wastewater treatment plant for Newport Bay and Clew Bay. The licence allows marine surveys to be carried out to inform the location of the outfall discharge. The surveys will support preparation of a planning application for the long-awaited development. The Newport Sewerage Concern Group has campaigned for more than three decades, citing environmental damage, public health risks, and economic harm from raw sewage entering Clew Bay. Continued untreated discharge has affected local ecology and businesses such as charter operators and water sports companies. The issue has also hindered Newport’s development, reducing tourism, investment, and broader growth potential. Deputy Paul Lawless welcomed the progress as important but relatively small after years without clarity or movement.

Read at Irish Independent