Newport Wastewater Treatment Project application expected within days

Deputy Paul Lawless has welcomed confirmation from Uisce Éireann that the long-awaited Maritime Area Consent (MAC) application for the Newport Wastewater Treatment Project is now expected to be submitted within days.

"Over recent months, I have been engaging closely with the Newport Sewage Concern Group, which has continued to play a constructive, determined and exemplary role in advocating for this vital project.

"I am pleased to confirm that Uisce Éireann is nearing completion of the MAC application, and it is expected that the application will be formally submitted the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) in the coming days. Securing the Maritime Area Consent will be a major milestone and an essential step in moving this long-awaited project towards the planning stage," he stated.

Deputy Lawless further added that the latest update provides important clarity.

“Through ongoing engagement with both Uisce Éireann and MARA, I sought to establish exactly where matters stood and to ensure that the concerns raised by the Newport Sewage Concern Group received a direct response. It is clear that progress continues behind the scenes, with marine surveys underway, design work advancing, and preparations being finalised for the MAC submission,” he stated.

The Mayo minister also paid tribute to the Newport Sewage Concern Group and to the wider Newport community.

"The NSCG committee has shown remarkable commitment, persistence and professionalism throughout this process. For years they have continued to ask the right questions, monitor developments closely and ensure that momentum was maintained.

“The broader Newport community has also never lost sight of the importance of this project, not only for residents and businesses but for the protection of Clew Bay and the future development of the area," he said.

Deputy Lawless added that the reality is that this project would not be where it is today without the efforts of the local people.

"While significant work remains ahead, including the MAC assessment process and subsequent planning stages, this development represents one of the most important advances in recent years,” he said.

He further added that he will continue to work closely with the Newport Sewage Concern Group, Uisce Éireann, MARA and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that momentum is maintained and that every effort is made to deliver this critical infrastructure project for Newport as quickly as possible.