Published: Thursday, 27th May, 2010 11:53am

First part of €40m Mullingar Sanitation upgrade complete

The first part of the largest infrastructural investment in Mullingar's history was officially opened by outgoing Cathaoirleach, Fintan Cooney last Friday and means that Mullingar's sanitation systems can now accommodate upwards of 40,000 residents in the future. It has been estimated that at a stretch the sewage system could now service the homes and business of 100,00 people.

The sewage treatment pumping station at the Lynn Road took 18 months to complete at a cost of €11.5million.

In all the upgrading of Mullingar's sanitation services has cost €40million and the improvements to the sewage treatment plant will be finished in September.

It is hoped that the large scale overhaul will put an end to the pollution of Lough Ennell.

"I would like to thank JJ Murray & Co and Pierse contractors for bringing this project to completion so quickly and with minimal hindrance. This project is of huge significance to Mullingar and we expect that it will completely regenerate Lough Ennnell," said the council chairman.

Councillor Cooney's party colleague, James Bannon TD said that the upgrades would show potential investors that Mullingar is a viable and vital location for business.

"This is the largest infrastructural investment ever in Mullingar and will greatly enhance this town greatly. Westmeath after all is the Lakeland County and so our water standards must be up to scratch. This was all done with the minimum of fuss and was a great achievement."