Aontú TD for Mayo Paul Lawless has welcomed confirmation that Uisce Éireann has formally submitted the Maritime Area Consent (MAC) application for the Newport Wastewater Treatment Project to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). This is a major step forward for a project that the people of Newport have fought for over many years.
“Last month I confirmed that the MAC application was nearing completion and was expected within days. I am pleased to say that the application has now been lodged. It was received by MARA on 29 October and is now on MARA’s public register (reference MAC260038).
“Securing the Maritime Area Consent is an essential step. Without it, Uisce Éireann cannot apply for planning permission for the works in Clew Bay. With the application now in, the project can move towards the planning stage, where the full design and environmental assessments will be set out and the people of Newport will have their say.”
“MARA has a target of 90 days to decide on applications of this kind. I will be engaging directly with MARA to make sure this application is processed as quickly as possible, and with Uisce Éireann to make sure the planning application is ready to go the moment consent is granted.”
“Today’s EPA report is a stark reminder of why every day counts. Newport is one of only eleven towns in Ireland still discharging untreated sewage, and the only one in Mayo. That is not acceptable in 2026, and it is why there can be no let-up from here.”
“I want once again to pay tribute to the Newport Sewage Concern Group and the wider Newport community. The NSCG committee has shown remarkable commitment, persistence and professionalism, and this milestone is a direct result of their efforts. They never stopped asking the right questions or pushing for answers.”
“While significant work remains, including the MAC assessment and the planning process, this is real and measurable progress. I will continue to work closely with the Newport Sewage Concern Group, Uisce Éireann, MARA and all relevant stakeholders to see this critical infrastructure delivered for Newport and for Clew Bay as quickly as possible”, concluded Lawless.
