The town faces a pollution crisis, with untreated sewage flowing into Clew Bay. Local councillors argue this ongoing environmental issue hinders business development and economic growth in the area.

At a municipal district meeting earlier this year, Councillor John O’Malley highlighted the lack of progress: “Five years ago, they were told funding had already been allocated for the Newport Sewerage Treatment Plant, but Irish Water has done nothing. Since 1965, raw sewage has been discharged into the bay. Families and children can’t swim or enjoy the bay; they must drive 10 miles away. If a farmer caused even a fraction of this pollution, they’d face fines and lose their farm payment.”

Currently, Newport relies on two outdated septic tanks that fail to adequately treat wastewater. Uisce Éireann plans to replace them with a modern wastewater treatment plant and a marine outfall for treated wastewater. This project aims to ensure compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and facilitate the town’s economic growth.

However, progress remains stalled at stage two of the process. This phase involves analysing options, creating a shortlist, selecting a preferred solution based on financial and economic appraisals, and estimating the total project cost.

Delays stem from challenges in obtaining a required Maritime Usage Licence (MUL). Uisce Éireann explained that:

- A licence is necessary to conduct surveys for a marine model.

- The MUL application process requires extensive data and environmental screening, replacing the simpler Foreshore Licence previously used.

- The submission was recently made to MARA (Maritime Area Regulatory Authority), but there’s uncertainty about how long the application will take to be processed.

In a statement to BreakingNews.ie, Uisce Éireann said: “Without the Maritime Usage Licence, we cannot progress the project or provide a clear timeline. Once granted, we will complete the Preliminary Business Case and share an update with stakeholders.

“A recent submission to the EPA estimates project completion by 2030, but this depends on avoiding delays such as planning challenges, land negotiations, or licencing hurdles, including a Marine Area Consent (MAC) for the proposed permanent outfall.”

Uisce Éireann continues to emphasize the importance of resolving these issues to address Newport’s environmental and economic challenges.