Overview
Lahinch Waste Water Treatment Plant serves the coastal town of Lahinch in County Clare, Ireland, treating wastewater for approximately 3,900 residents. The plant discharges into the local environment, supporting the region's water quality.
Lahinch Waste Water Treatment Plant is located on Ennistimon Road in County Clare, Ireland, serving the popular seaside town of Lahinch. The facility handles wastewater for a population of around 3,900 people, reflecting its role in a small coastal community. As a plant in Ireland, it operates under the European Union's Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment for discharges into freshwater and estuaries. For coastal areas, the directive mandates at least primary treatment, with secondary treatment needed if the receiving environment is sensitive. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, likely into the Atlantic Ocean via Lahinch Bay. This coastal discharge supports the area's tourism and marine ecosystem, requiring careful management to protect water quality and biodiversity.
Environmental context
Lahinch is situated on the west coast of Ireland, facing the Atlantic Ocean. The plant's discharge enters Lahinch Bay, which is part of the wider Galway Bay system. This coastal area supports diverse marine life, including important fish stocks and seabird populations. The region's waters are ecologically sensitive, and the plant's operation helps maintain bathing water quality standards for Lahinch's popular Blue Flag beach.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located on Ennistimon Road in Lahinch, County Clare, Ireland, in the West Clare Municipal District.
The plant serves approximately 3,900 residents, covering the town of Lahinch and surrounding areas.
The treated wastewater is discharged into the Atlantic Ocean via Lahinch Bay, following treatment in compliance with EU standards.
As an Irish plant, it operates under the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which sets treatment requirements based on population size and receiving water sensitivity.
For coastal plants of this scale, the EU directive requires at least primary treatment, with secondary treatment if the discharge area is designated as sensitive. Many Irish plants use secondary treatment to protect bathing waters.
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