Mayo TD admits delays in progressing Newport Treatment Plant are 'not acceptable'

Mayo Fine Gael TD, Keira Keogh has called on Uisce Éireann to progress the Newport Wastewater Treatment Plant after saying the project has dragged on too long.

The Westport-based TD met with the Newport Sewage Concern Group in Hotel Newport this morning to hear first-hand the community’s deep frustration over the continued delays to the Newport Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The scheme is not expected to be completed before 2030 despite raw sewage from the existing treatment plant being discharged into Clew Bay

Speaking on behalf of the group, Cormac Kelly stated that Newport is 'at a standstill', with no clear path forward for growth or development while the town continues to discharge raw sewage untreated into Clew Bay. He expressed dismay at the repeated shifting of project timelines over the years.

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Deputy Keogh echoed the group’s frustration: saying that it is outrageous and unacceptable that this has been allowed to continue.

“I have stood on the shores of Clew Bay and watched raw sewage being pumped directly into one of our most beautiful natural resources. It is outrageous. It’s unacceptable. No town should be forced to live with this — not in 2025.

“Newport has waited long enough. This is about dignity, about the environment, and about unlocking the future of this town,” she said.

Deputy Keogh outlined to the group her sustained engagement on the issue over the past year — raising it with Uisce Éireann on multiple occasions, with Tánaiste Simon Harris during Programme for Government talks, at parliamentary party meetings, and most recently in direct discussions with Minister of State John Cummins. She stressed that this is a priority not just for her, but for the county.

Deputy Keogh explained that the project is currently at Stage 2: Preliminary Business Case and is being held up by licensing delays.

Originally requiring a Foreshore Licence, the process had to restart under the newly established Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), with Uisce Éireann now awaiting approval for a Maritime Usage Licence (MUL). This licence is essential for survey work to continue, and the absence of a timeline from MARA is contributing to the uncertainty.

Deputy Keogh said that Minister Cummins assured her that he will convene Uisce Éireann and MARA at the same table to get to the bottom of the delays and problem-solve a way forward.

“This project has dragged on far too long, and the people of Newport deserve answers. I will keep pushing until there’s a clear plan, clear timelines, and real movement. This isn’t just a local issue — it’s about fairness, accountability, and making sure no community is left behind,” she said

Party colleague and Minister of State, Alan Dillon also expressed his frustration at the delays in progressing the project and called for urgent action.

“It is simply not acceptable that the licence process is causing such a bottleneck in the delivery of this much needed infrastructure,” Minister Dillon stated.

“I have made direct representations to MARA to highlight the urgency of this matter and to explore how this application can be expedited. Resolving this delay must be a priority.”

Minister Dillon noted that once the licence is granted, Uisce Éireann will be able to carry out the marine surveys, complete the Preliminary Business Case, and provide greater clarity on the delivery timeline for the full project.

“This issue has been consistently raised with me during engagements with Uisce Éireann and by local councillors who are rightly frustrated. I am determined to remove this roadblock and ensure Newport gets the infrastructure it deserves,” concluded Minister Dillon.