'Major milestone' - Dillon welcomes significant progress on Mayo project

Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has welcomed a significant breakthrough in the delivery of the long awaited Newport Waste Water Treatment Plant, following confirmation that the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) has now issued Uisce Éireann with an official Maritime Usage Licence (MUL).

This licence allows essential marine surveys to proceed within Newport Bay and Clew Bay, which will determine the outfall discharge location for the new wastewater treatment facility.

“I am delighted to confirm that public consultation is now complete and MARA has issued Uisce Éireann with the required Maritime Usage Licence,” Minister Dillon said. “This is a major milestone. Without this licence, the project was essentially at a standstill. Its approval now ensures that plans for the Newport Waste Water Treatment Plant can finally progress.” 

The MUL application was originally submitted by Uisce Éireann in December 2024 to permit marine surveys in Newport Bay and Clew Bay. These surveys are required to inform the engineering design and environmental assessment of the proposed outfall for the new treatment plant.

“This licence unlocks the next stage of work,” Minister Dillon said. “It is now a matter for Uisce Éireann to progress, and I will be fighting tooth and nail to ensure that surveying and investigations in Clew Bay commence as soon as possible.” Minister Dillon reaffirmed his determination to maintain pressure on all relevant agencies to ensure the project advances without delay.

“I will continue to push for progress on this facility,” he said. “Newport has waited far too long for modern wastewater infrastructure. Today’s announcement is a major step forward, but there is more work to do, and I will be ensuring that momentum is not lost.”