Clarification is needed from Uisce Éireann around the workings of Bearna Pumping Station, and whether the plant’s operational functions will be able to meet the current and future needs of the area.

That’s according to Galway West TD John Connolly, who has written to Uisce Éireann regarding the functioning of the Wastewater pumping station in Bearna.

In June of this year, Uisce Éireann informed Dep Connolly that following a mechanical failure at the station, specialist equipment was ordered to “prevent an overflow of sewerage to the sea during storm events and times of breakdown”. He was also informed there would be “no delay in fitting the equipment”.

In September, following correspondence from Dep Connolly, Uisce Éireann replied that the pumping station “is currently functioning properly and is able to deal with the current flows” from the catchment area and that it has the “capacity to deal with flows from growth in the short and medium term”.

“I welcomed the statement that the plant is now operating properly and can handle some level of flow,” said Deputy Connolly.

“However, no detail was given on just what capacity of flow it has and if that includes emergencies such as storms. Questions also remain over the installation of the specialist equipment – no reference to which was made in Uisce Éireann’s reply to me, despite my having raised this matter with them,” he added.

The Fianna Fáil TD is asking if the water body’s latest statement can be interpreted as meaning the specialist equipment “has been completed and that the mechanical failure has been corrected” to ensure Bearna Pumping Station no longer requires waste water being physically emptied using machinery, for its appropriate functioning.

Pictured: Galway West TD John Connolly